Image Credit: RT
Russia has opened the door for foreign nationals from 47 countries, whose “destructive attitudes” are seen to contradict Russian values, to seek asylum in the country. On Friday, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin revealed a list of nations whose policies align with what Moscow describes as a “neoliberal agenda” that undermines traditional Russian values. The list includes countries such as the UK, the U.S., Japan, and Germany, among others, while notably excluding NATO members Slovakia, Hungary, and Türkiye.
President Vladimir Putin had earlier signed a decree in August, enabling nationals from these countries to apply for temporary residency in Russia without the usual immigration prerequisites. This move is reportedly aimed at providing an alternative for those who disagree with their own governments’ political and ideological stance. The decree facilitates residency applications by waiving requirements like national quotas and knowledge of Russian history and language.
According to Russian government sources, the decision stems from an initiative presented during a February symposium in Moscow. Italian student Irene Cecchini proposed simplifying the immigration process for individuals who share Russia’s traditional and cultural values. Cecchini had argued that this approach could assist Russia in addressing its ongoing demographic challenges.
RT Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan supported the move, suggesting that Russia could offer a “safe haven for normalcy” amid what she called the “wokeism catastrophe” spreading across Western nations. Simonyan’s remarks were made at the Fourth Eurasian Women’s Forum in St. Petersburg, where she highlighted Russia’s commitment to upholding spiritual and moral values.
This latest measure follows earlier actions taken by Moscow to compile a blacklist of “unfriendly” governments in 2021, reflecting ongoing tensions between Russia and several Western states.