Many IT professionals returning from abroad do not intend to settle permanently in Russia. This view emerged in discussions with Tatyana Kolpakova, who leads HR at BIA Technologies as a business integrator and software developer, and was reported to TASS.
The situation mirrors remarks from Maksut Shadayev, head of the Ministry of Digital Development, who noted in June that a portion of IT workers had indeed come back to Russia. Yet Kolpakova pointed out that many of these returning professionals valued the experience of remote work near the sea and often told interviewers they planned to depart again for the winter. In other words, a majority of those who returned did not intend to stay long. [citation: socialbites.ca]
Kolpakova highlighted a trend among younger professionals. For this group, being based in Moscow and present in the office is almost a requirement. She also observed a tighter job market for such beginners, describing an excess of available talent that has not yet balanced out with fresh opportunities. At the same time, there is a noticeable shortage of mid-level candidates—those with several years of hands-on experience—across the software sector as import substitution influences hiring patterns. [citation: socialbites.ca]
Alexander Khachiyan, leader of AWG IT integrator and co-founder of SkillStaff, shared his view in a separate interview that 2023 would be particularly challenging for young entrants seeking employment in Russia. His assessment framed the year as difficult for new graduates and early-career specialists navigating the local market amid broader economic adjustments. [citation: socialbites.ca]
Historically, the discourse around optimism and pessimism in Russia’s tech labor market has framed these dynamics as a cycle. The conversation continues to evolve as companies weigh the balance between attracting international talent and nurturing domestic capabilities, especially in light of ongoing efforts to boost software production and domestic skill development. [citation: socialbites.ca]