Hundreds of skilled specialists have indicated an interest in the program, the Agency for Strategic Initiatives has said

A total of 2,500 people have registered on a new Russian portal designed for skilled foreign nationals seeking expedited relocation, with 170 applicants having already submitted all the documentation, the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) has reported.

ASI established the Headquarters for Support of Repatriation and Adaptation in late 2024, following an order from Russian President Vladimir Putin to streamline the relocation of skilled foreigners.

The body brings together representatives from the Presidential Administration, the State Duma, federal ministries, state corporations and pilot regions to coordinate the effort.

Russian officials presented the figures on Wednesday at a meeting of ASI's headquarters, covering the first nine days since the "Time to Live in Russia" portal launched on April 15.

"We managed to develop and launch a mechanism to attract foreign specialists who are of interest to Russia in a fairly short time," ASI head Svetlana Chupsheva said. She noted that the new process provides a clear path for talented foreigners who want to contribute to the country's development.

Coordination is led by the Agency for Attracting Foreign Talent (APIT). The head of the agency, Irina Korotkova, said 54% of applicants who submitted full documentation are in-demand specialists, 16% are students and 15% are scientists; the average age ranges between 40 and 45.

The data also shows family relocation is a key trend, with 35% planning to move with spouses and 30% with children.

Russia's Interior Ministry has issued the necessary orders to implement the decree, First Deputy Head of the Migration Service Konstantin Bukreev said. Under a separate program, the ministry has already received nearly 3,400 applications for temporary residence permits from citizens of Western countries, he added.

Alexander Vaino, the headquarters' secretary, said 14 of the 40 planned measures have been completed, including allowing visa issuance at any Russian consulate and simplifying access to state services.

Officials also approved an updated "Regional Standard" for adapting foreign arrivals. The framework formalizes a federal operator, introduces the term "repatriate" and is due to be rolled out across 14 regions, including Moscow and Kaliningrad.

(RT.com)