They quit the West for Russia's traditional values, but it wasn't what they expected
Summary
A small number of people from Western countries, including the US, Britain, and Canada, have moved to Russia seeking a lifestyle based on traditional Christian values. Russia introduced a "Shared Values visa" to attract these migrants, allowing them temporary residency if they share Russia’s spiritual and moral beliefs. However, some migrants find the reality harder than expected due to restrictions on information and other challenges.Key Facts
- Leo Hare, an American from Texas, moved to Russia in 2023 after receiving asylum.
- Russia promotes itself as a country upholding traditional Christian family values, contrasting with Western cultural changes.
- The Shared Values visa was launched by President Vladimir Putin in 2024 for citizens of 47 countries Russia calls "unfriendly."
- The visa offers up to three years of temporary residency without requiring language or history tests initially.
- Applicants must declare they reject Western "destructive neoliberal ideology" and support Russian moral values.
- After three years, visa holders must pass language and history exams to convert to permanent residency or leave Russia.
- Over 3,400 people had applied to this visa program by spring 2026, but approval numbers are unclear.
- The visa does not include financial or housing support; applicants pay a fee and must pass medical and criminal checks.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.