Leo Hare moved to Russia from Texas in late 2023 after being granted asylum, convinced he was building a better future for his family. The father of three threw himself into his new life: sampling dumplings, milking goats on a farm, and filming videos about life in Russia. Leo is a devout Christian who had become disillusioned with political division in the US, genetically modified food, and the rise of the LGBTQ movement. He believed Russia offered an alternative based on Christian faith and family values. But over time he became concerned about restrictions on access to information. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing BBC News.
Leo is part of an unlikely migration. As Russia faces international isolation, a few thousand people from Canada, Britain, the US, and Europe are choosing to move there. Their view of Russia differs sharply from the Western perception: a country that invaded Ukraine, jails political opponents, restricts civil liberties, and faces sanctions.
Many are attracted by Russia's Shared Values visa, sometimes called the "anti-woke" visa. Introduced by President Vladimir Putin in 2024, it offers temporary residency for up to three years to citizens of 47 countries Russia considers "unfriendly." There is no limit on applicants, and they do not need to pass Russian language, history, or law tests. Instead, they must declare they share Russia's traditional spiritual and moral values and reject the "destructive neoliberal ideology" of their home countries.
After three years, the visa must be converted into a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) or leave the country. The PRP requires language and history exams. The visa does not come with housing or financial assistance. Applicants pay an administrative fee of 1,600 roubles (£17 or $22) and pass medical and criminal records checks.
Russia says nearly 3,400 people have applied under the scheme as of spring 2026. However, these figures are difficult to verify independently. The visa reflects Kremlin efforts to present Russia as a defender of traditional values. In a 2022 decree, Putin warned that Western ideological influence threatened Russian values including marriage and the traditional family.
Relocation agencies and influencers promote Russia as a place where family values remain strong and life feels safer. Ilja Belobragin, whose company helps foreigners relocate, says clients often say they "don't recognise the community around me anymore." Some complain about high immigration in their own countries or declining living standards.
Russia's war in Ukraine does not appear to be a decisive factor for many. Some openly support Russia, while others insist their decision is driven by cultural values. Philip Hutchinson, a Moscow-based former Conservative Party candidate from the UK who now helps Westerners relocate, avoids discussing the war: "What are my thoughts on it? I'm not here as a politician. I'm here to live a nice quiet life with my family."