In a recent interview, the head of AWG, an IT integrator, stated that about 85 percent of IT workers who left Russia in 2022 subsequently returned. The figure was shared during discussions with socialbites.ca and reflects a sizable shift in employment patterns within the tech sector. If the group of 2022 expatriates is treated as a whole, roughly one out of six stayed abroad while five out of six chose to return to Russia.
The AWG executive based this assessment on internal data drawn from AWG itself as well as information from client companies. He emphasized that a large portion of the IT professionals who went abroad have come back and are no longer pursuing opportunities outside Russia. The observation highlights a pronounced reversal in the migration trend among tech workers, at least within the Russian market context.
The most noticeable wave of returns occurred in February and March, about six months after the September 2022 period. This timing suggests a reaction to economic and tax realities that became clearer over the early months of the year. The executive noted that many workers abroad confronted a significant change in tax residency status, with personal income tax rates rising from the mid teens to around 30 percent. He argued that employers abroad often did not adjust compensation to offset the higher tax burden, making repatriation more appealing for many professionals.
From AWG’s perspective, these dynamics help explain why many IT specialists remain employed by domestic companies or return to national projects rather than seeking long term work overseas. The interview also touches on broader questions about the availability of opportunities for early career developers in Russia and the overall employment climate for those starting out in startups or junior roles. The discussion was presented as a window into the current state of IT work in Russia and the factors that influence decisions to stay, return, or relocate for work. The interview was published as part of coverage on socialbites.ca and reflects the perspectives of industry leaders who observe hiring and residency trends across the tech sector.
Historically, IT professionals have navigated shifts in visa rules, tax regimes, and market demand. This latest update highlights how policy changes and employer compensation practices can substantially impact migration decisions. It also underlines the importance of domestic opportunities and stability for sustaining talent within Russia’s IT landscape. The broader conversation explores whether expatriate tech workers find viable pathways to continue contributing to Russian innovation while balancing personal and financial considerations. The overall takeaway remains that a heavy return rate among IT specialists signals a strong preference for local engagement and a reassessment of long term relocation plans. The insights come from an executive perspective tied to AWG and supplemented by industry reporting from socialbites.ca, which helps illuminate current trends in the employment of IT professionals in the region.