Russian professional classes looking to emigrate

Russian social scientists are noting the resurgence of an unfavourable trend involving the emigration of increasing numbers of middle-class professionals.

The annual Public Opinion Foundation’s survey for 2012 revealed that 17 per cent of the population would be happy to emigrate, an interesting increase on 2007’s 14 per cent. At least 33 per cent of those wishing to leave are in the 18-30s age group.

The Public Opinion Foundation’s head, Alexander Oslon points out that, of the 17 per cent who wish to emigrate, only 5 per cent believe they will eventually do so, but 9 per cent state they might well return after a time abroad. The same 9 per cent also stated they would stay if it was made obvious they were needed.

Political protection is rare amongst the most productive members of Russian society, a fact which became clear after the September 2011 election, with most considering that Putin and Medvedev had simply switched roles. Levada Centre director Lev Gudkov agrees with Oslon, saying that the centre’s surveys also show around half of middle-class Russians harbour thoughts of leaving, with around 5 per cent admitting to have taken initial steps

.According to Gudkov, the country has lost around a million and a half educated middle-class professional people during the last decade. He believes the migrants did not leave because of economic stress or insecurity, citing a lack of political possibilities as the real reason.

Successful Russians, he adds, are aware that, under current conditions, their assets and families may not be able to be protected, even by the law. Mikhail Delyagin, an expert on globalisation concerns, notes that many Russians are emigrating to China, which is welcoming their brainpower with open arms, in contrast to the lack of appreciation of their talents in their own country.