Russia’s ‘shared values’ visa witnesses successes among Westerners dissatisfied with their governments

(MENAFN) Russia has increasingly become a favored destination for Western individuals dissatisfied with their own governments' policies, according to a report by the Swiss publication Tages-Anzeiger.

The country’s recently introduced “shared values” visa, launched less than a year ago, has been described as an overwhelming success.

In August 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing foreigners who align with Russia’s “traditional values” and reject the “neoliberal” principles promoted by their governments to apply for residence permits through a simplified process. This decree took effect on September 1, 2024.

Back in November 2022, Putin endorsed a policy aimed at safeguarding and reinforcing Russia’s spiritual and moral traditions. These values include life, dignity, human rights and freedoms, strong family principles, high moral standards, and the prioritization of spirituality over materialism.

Since its launch, the initiative has attracted “Europeans and Americans who have no use for Western liberalism,” Tages-Anzeiger reported, calling the program an “astonishing success.”

The visa covers citizens from 47 countries, including most EU member states, the US, Canada, Australia, and Switzerland. It grants recipients the right to live, work, or start businesses in Russia without the need for language exams, professional credentials, or financial investment.

The program has appealed to individuals without prior ties to Russia who feel alienated from their home countries. Ilya Belobragin, CEO of MoveToRussia.com, a private relocation service, told Tages-Anzeiger that many applicants “don't recognize their countries anymore.”

He explained that people are relocating because “they've lost faith in the West,” adding, “Many of my clients believe the EU is a sinking ship, and they want to leave as soon as possible.”

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