Russian immigration boosts economies of other former USSR countries

RUSSIA / FSU POLITICS - In Brief 14 Nov 2022 by Alex Teddy

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Since February 2022 Russians have emigrated in increasing numbers. They have often moved to poorer former USSR countries particularly: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. In September 2022 there was a spike of emigration due to the mobilization. Housing in major cities of these former USSR countries sometimes doubled in rental price because of the influx of often affluent Russians. Those who can work remotely, particularly IT people, are very likely to move abroad. Some of the less affluent Russian emigres have been forced to find emergency accommodation abroad. Kyrgyzstan, with only 7 million people, has been particularly impacted by immigration. Russian immigration has stimulated the economy. But the increased cost of accommodation has caused resentment. Some local people have allegedly been evicted to make room for richer Russians. Kyrgyzstan is much cheaper to live in than Russia and can be reached overland. Everyone in the capital city at least understands Russian. Apple has moved its Russian operations to Kyrgyzstan.  In 2022 over 500,000 Russians will come to Kyrgyzstan. Russia has a per capita purchasing power that is 6 times higher than Kyrgyzstan. Some Russians have moved to minor cities there for cheaper accommodation. Those who emigrated in early and mid 2022 were mostly men aged 18-35. Now their wives and children are joining them.  Kyrgyzstan's economy grew 8% in Q1 Q2 and Q3 2022. In 2021 the country grew 3.6%. Georgia has grown 10% and Armenia has grown 13% in 2022 so far.