Country of computer scientists: Russia simplifies living for technologists

Russia announced this Wednesday that it will make it easier to obtain residency permits for foreign computer scientists to alleviate the deprivation of these highly trained professionals, many of whom fled the country after the Ukrainian offensive began. According to Russian Minister of Digital Development Maskut Shadayev, “about 100,000” computer scientists left the country last year.

“A foreign computer scientist working in a reputable computer company, as well as members of his family (…) are entitled to receive a residence permit in the Russian Federation under a simplified procedure,” said Irina Volk, an employee of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. , in a video posted on social media.

Russia was once an attractive country for computer scientists, but the outbreak of military intervention in Ukraine has caused a real exodus. Most of them settled in the countries of the Caucasus, such as Armenia or Georgia, as well as in Turkey, Serbia, Israel and the USA.

Some of these countries continue to work remotely for Russian companies. Others do it for local companies in their respective host countries. In parallel, several foreign technology companies, such as the American Apple, have withdrawn from the Russian market under the pressure of international sanctions imposed on Moscow.

Volk pointed out this Wednesday that “the period for processing an application for a residence permit is three months” for computer scientists who want to settle in Russia. To do this, it will be enough for them to provide the Russian authorities with a valid employment contract and a qualification obtained in the industry, the official explained.

AFP