"Konstantin Zatulin on Free Press: 'Luggage. Train Station'"
In the heart of Europe, a group of Russians born in the national republics during the Soviet era finds themselves in a precarious situation. The issue at hand is not with Russia, but with the authorities of Lithuania and Latvia, who hold the power to decide their fate.
Deported Russians from the Baltic States, who have not been able to secure Russian citizenship but only extended residence permits, are facing a difficult situation. Their predicament is not a recent development, but an ongoing issue that stretches back in time.
The resettlement program designed to help these compatriots living abroad in Russia has been met with numerous challenges. The program, plagued by a complex combination of factors, is generally considered ineffective.
One of the key contributing factors to the program's failure is the skills mismatch and deskilling faced by highly educated migrants and returnees. Even those with university degrees often find themselves in jobs below their skill level, hindering successful economic integration and discouraging permanent resettlement.
Another issue lies in the lack of personalized support and integration measures. The absence of programs providing mentoring, psychological support, and other critical assistance for cultural adaptation reduces the ability of migrants to successfully integrate into the labor market and society.
Bureaucratic and legal barriers also pose significant challenges. Complex administrative procedures and unclear legal frameworks make it difficult for skilled migrants or returnees to register, obtain legal residency, and access social services.
Weak coordination between authorities and diaspora organizations further weakens the support network that helps migrants navigate resettlement processes and access resources. This lack of cooperation reduces overall program effectiveness.
The changing nature of migration also presents a challenge. The traditional concept of repatriation aimed at permanent return is increasingly challenged by modern patterns of mobility, where migrants may seek temporary or transitory residence abroad or multiple migrations. Resettlement programs may lack flexibility to accommodate such realities, limiting their appeal and effectiveness.
These factors result in many compatriots living abroad remaining hesitant to resettle permanently in Russia under current programs, or facing difficulties in successfully reintegrating when they do.
In the case of deported Russians from the Baltic States, the situation may worsen in the future due to the uncertainties dependent on the authorities of Lithuania and Latvia. Local authorities are forced to choose between allocating funds to solve current problems and providing facilities to displaced persons due to the obligation to finance the resettlement program at the expense of the regions.
The Free Press has reported on the ongoing problems faced by compatriots in Russia, including the issue of obtaining Russian citizenship. However, Russia remains uncertain about what to do with these deported Russians, with the director of the PVR failing to specify who exactly solves the issue in Moscow regarding the resettlement program.
The ineffectiveness of the resettlement program may lead to the abandonment of resettlement facilities by the regions. As reported by State Duma deputy Konstantin Zatulin, the program to facilitate the voluntary resettlement of compatriots living abroad to Russia was ineffective as of 2022.
Developing more comprehensive, individualized, and coordinated integration policies, including mentoring, legal simplification, skills recognition, and diaspora engagement, could potentially improve outcomes for these displaced Russians. However, until such changes are implemented, these individuals continue to face an uncertain future.
- Amidst their struggle for permanent resettlement, the deported Russians from the Baltic States may find solace in adopting sustainable living practices and reorganizing their lifestyle for a more self-sufficient home-and-garden setup, as a means of personal empowerment and economic independence.
- In light of the bureaucratic complexities and the lack of integration support, these displaced individuals could explore alternative ways of staying connected with their culture and fostering a sense of community, such as creating online platforms that support sustainable-living practices and sharing knowledge among exiles.
