Russia's 'anti-woke visa' woos Western expatriates

They mostly disagree with developments in their countries of origin, such as family, religion, LGBTQ+ people and migration. The prospect of a more conservative society also appeals to them.

Their social media activity might even be supported or guided by Russian officials, according to a report in March by the online magazine Important Stories. The report found that the Russian foreign broadcaster, RT, which is sanctioned or banned by many governments in Europe and elsewhere, has financed social media videos in which the immigrants praise their adopted land and criticize the countries they left behind. Within Russia, state media regularly report glowingly on the people who have made the country their home.

Russia's residence permit, informally referred to as an "anti-woke visa," is aimed at precisely this group of people. It seeks applicants who are the opposite of "woke," or committed to combating racist, sexist and social discrimination.

Citizens or permanent residents of European countries, the United States, Australia, Japan and some other countries have the right to apply for the "Shared Values Visa." They do not have to prove that they speak Russian or know anything about the country's culture or its laws. However, applicants must declare that they disagree with the policies of their country of origin. The visa is usually issued for three years and can be extended afterwards.

Russian President Vladimir Putin introduced the visa in August 2024 by decree. It states that it is designed to "provide humanitarian support to people who share traditional Russian spiritual and moral values."

According to a spokeswoman for the Russian Ministry of the Interior, 1,156 people had applied for the "Shared Values Visa" by May, nine months after its introduction. The largest group, comprising 224 came from Germany

https://www.dw.com/en/russias-anti-woke-visa-woos-western-expatriates/a-73214511