Return migration to Russia: another emigration?

Abstract

Trends in emigration and return migration of Russian nationals remain under researched due to the scarcity of statistical data. The article summarizes results from the current data collection project undertaken by the Far Eastern Federal University. In the framework of the project 200 Russian return migrants were surveyed. The data sample at hand allows us to draw conclusions about motivation behind the emigration and return decisions of Russian migrants; sketch socio-economic profiles of returnees; analyze their situation abroad and their reintegration– re-inclusion into the society and labor market upon return to the country of origin. Our findings reveal substantial difficulties with reintegration upon return to Russia, negative attitude toward returnees in the labor market and their high propensity to emigrate again. Refs 16. Tables 7.