Migration Trends Among Russians Abroad and Along the Home Frontier
More than six in ten Russians currently working outside their homeland indicate they could return in the near term, driven by personal considerations as well as a desire for stability. The conclusion comes from a study reported by DEA News, based on research conducted with Yakov and Partners, a consulting firm closely tied to McKinsey’s former Russian arm, and the recruiting platform HeadHunter. The findings illuminate how people weigh family needs and career prospects when deciding whether to go back home or stay abroad for work.
Among the reasons cited for returning are personal situations, improved job prospects, and a brighter economic outlook for Russia. The researchers suggest that the migration trend that took shape in 2022 might reverse course within the next year or two as conditions evolve for workers both inside Russia and in the international labor market. The study underscores that personal life events—family care, housing needs, and climate of opportunity—play a sizable role alongside broader economic factors.
On the internal front, about 40% of Russian respondents say they would consider relocating to a different region within the country to boost earnings. The most popular destination within Russia is Moscow, with roughly half of those considering a move indicating it as their preferred destination. St. Petersburg ranks second, attracting a significant share of potential internal migrants, followed by the Southern Federal District as a notable but smaller option. These preferences reflect how metropolitan centers and regional hubs shape internal mobility, especially where wage levels and job availability are stronger.
When looking at international options, workers outside Russia show a clear tilt toward the United States and Canada as possible destinations for relocation. The appeal of North American markets appears to be tied to perceived higher wages, more diverse career paths, and the stability associated with those economies. In contrast, contrary to some common beliefs, the United Arab Emirates does not appear among the top ten destinations for plausible resettlement in the near term, suggesting that factors such as language, visa processes, and social integration may influence migration choices more than some general assumptions about Gulf economies.
Historically, countries have experimented with incentive programs to attract skilled labor. For instance, there have been reports of municipalities offering financial incentives to encourage relocation, reflecting a broader strategy to balance demographics, fill gaps in the local labor market, and stimulate regional development. Such incentives illustrate how policy measures can intersect with individual choices about where to live and work, and how those choices can feed back into national labor dynamics.
Overall, the evolving picture of migration—whether toward returning to Russia, moving within its borders, or pursuing opportunities abroad—appears shaped by a blend of personal priorities and macroeconomic signals. As global job markets shift and domestic conditions strengthen or soften, the decisions of workers abroad and those contemplating a return will likely continue to adapt. The evolving narrative highlights the ongoing dialogue between personal life goals and the broader economic environment, a dynamic that policymakers, employers, and workers monitor with keen interest. (citation: DEA News; Yakov and Partners; HeadHunter)