In recent years, Russia has faced unprecedented Western sanctions, but despite these challenges, the country’s economy has been boosted by the return of its citizens. According to Bloomberg, an estimated 1.1 million people left Russia in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine, with 40% to 45% of them now having returned. These returnees are believed to have contributed between one-fifth and one-third of Russia’s 3.6% GDP growth in 2023.
Many Russians chose to come back home due to difficulties with renewing residence permits abroad and experiencing discrimination on a personal and institutional level, even in countries that are traditionally considered friendly to Russia and have not imposed sanctions on Moscow. This feeling of resentment and the belief that they were unwelcome in other countries have motivated many to return.
President Putin sees the repatriation process as a positive trend that supports his policies, while Russian propaganda has used it as proof of widespread “Russophobia” in the West. For President Putin, the return of Russian entrepreneurs and highly skilled workers is seen as a positive trend that supports his policies. The sense of insecurity among Russians abroad may continue to drive the repatriation process as long as the war continues.
However, this influx of returning Russians could also pose challenges for Russia’s economy in the long run if there are not enough jobs available for them upon their return or if they struggle to adapt back into Russian society after spending time abroad. It remains to be seen how Russia will navigate these challenges and what impact they will have on its future economic growth.
In conclusion, while facing unprecedented Western sanctions, returning Russians have played a significant role in boosting Russia’s economy despite difficulties with renewing residence permits abroad and experiencing discrimination on a personal and institutional level. While President Putin views this repatriation process positively, it remains uncertain how it will impact Russia’s future economic growth in the long run.