Russia declares itself a 'safe haven' for foreigners wishing to 'escape their neoliberal home countries'

21 August 2024, 07:32

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the Security Council at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence, outside Moscow, Russia, Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. (Aleksey Babushkin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the Security Council at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence, outside Moscow, Russia, Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. (Aleksey Babushkin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP). Picture: Alamy

By Danielle de Wolfe

Russia has declared itself a "safe haven" for internationals wishing to "escape" their homelands in a new decree signed by President Putin.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Putin's government is now encouraging people from around the world who have had enough of their "neoliberal home countries" to descend on Russia.

The surprising new immigration appeal comes five years after Putin told the Financial Times that Germany made a “cardinal mistake” in adopting a liberal approach to immigration from those fleeing the Middle East.

Appealing for internationals to seek refuge in Russia, the new three-month visas offered by the Kremlin could become available as soon as in September.

According to state news agency TASS, in Russia, “traditional values reign supreme”.

The bizarre announcement also asserted that Russia is not a homophobic country, but added that “traditional values are more stable and more important for millions of people than this liberal idea which, in my opinion, is really ceasing”.

Red Russian Federation foreign passport in the blue jeans back pocket close-up photo
Red Russian Federation foreign passport in the blue jeans back pocket close-up photo. Picture: Alamy

The new decree, signed by President Vladimir Putin this week, allows foreign nationals into the country “outside the quota" already approved by the Russian government.

He added that internationals could now travel to Russia "without providing documents confirming their knowledge of the Russian language, Russian history and basic laws”.

The unexpected move comes just weeks after Joe Biden and Kamala Harris celebrated a landmark prisoner swap with Russia, with three prisoners returned to the US following a deal agreed with the eastern European nation.

Read more: 'Yes she can!': Obamas endorse Kamala Harris - as Barak warns a Trump ‘sequel’ would be worse

Read more: Keir Starmer urges Israel to 'move quickly' on ceasefire after six hostages confirmed dead, including British man

Among the US citizens returned to home soil was journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was locked up in Russia for 491 days.

Paul Whelan, who holds a dual British citizenship, and Alsu Kurmasheva were also released.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, second from right, accompanied by Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov talks to servicemen during his visit to the Special Forces University in Gudermes
Russian President Vladimir Putin, second from right, accompanied by Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov talks to servicemen during his visit to the Special Forces University in Gudermes. Picture: Alamy

According to the new decree, applicants may apply via a simplified, expedited visa system.

The country added that visitors can also request residency if they reject their home countries’ “destructive neoliberal ideals”.

According to officials, those ideals are described as values that “run counter to traditional Russian spiritual and moral values”.

It claims that such values would “impose unhealthy attitudes on their citizens”.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Italian F1 Grand Prix - Previews

Nightclub bouncer behind £12m plot to reveal Formula One star Michael Schumacher's health secrets jailed

Josef Fritzl

Incest monster Josef Fritzl could walk free from prison next year - and expects 'cheering crowds' to greet him

Ofsted's Chief Inspector Sir Martyn Oliver supports an extension to term times

'Time to think about school holidays': Ofsted's Chief Inspector supports extending term times

Exclusive
Angela Rayner insisted that British support for Ukraine was 'unwavering'

Rayner insists UK support for Ukraine 'unwavering' despite Trump's plan for 'immediate' peace talks with Putin

Prince William, President of BAFTA, operates a film camera as he visits the London Screen Academy in London, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, Pool)

William tries his hand at being a cameraman on visit to London film academy

President Donald J. Trump participates in a bilateral meeting with the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin during the G20 Japan Summit Friday, June 28, 2019, in Osaka, Japan.

Trump and Putin to 'start negotiations immediately' over ending war in Ukraine - with US President to visit Moscow

Street scene in Peckham, London, with red bus

Bus driver, 76, found guilty of killing passenger who was run over while attempting to board vehicle

Norward Road, Lambeth, the proposed LTN.

Council staff given 'wellbeing day' after attending 'stormy' neighbourhood meeting

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, left, shakes hands with Britain's Defense Secretary John Healey prior to a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of a NATO defense ministers meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, Feb.

Ukraine's NATO membership plans 'unrealistic' says US - as defence secretary claims US troops won't be peacekeepers

Jaysley Beck, 19, was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire

Officer accused of pinning down and trying to kiss soldier, 19, had been 'waiting for moment for them to be alone'

A public inquiry into the Nottingham attacks will begin 'within weeks'

Public inquiry into Nottingham attacks will begin 'within weeks', PM tells victims' families

Paul Allen.

Cagefighter guilty of Britain's largest cash robbery shot in neck in his kitchen in murder plot

Lucy Harrison

British woman, 23, dies after being shot dead at dad's US house as 'utterly heartbroken' family pays tribute

Ragley Hall, Warwickshire.

Earl sues parents over 'trauma' for not being gifted £85 million Warwickshire estate

d

Outrage as auction house flogs Nazi memorabilia including Göring's dinner plate, Luftwaffe dagger and Swastika bunting

An asteroid could hit earth in 2036.

NASA makes 'emergency' decision over asteroid the size of Big Ben that could strike Earth