On 1 September 2024 a fresh law came into force in Russia, which introduces the anticipation of applying for the alleged "ideological asylum". Foreigners can now apply for a stay visa for 3 years, provided they declare to share the “traditional spiritual and moral values” promoted by the Russian authorities. The introduction of this law is Moscow's next step towards strengthening its image as a defender of conservative values in the face of the increasing influence of Western ideologies specified as LGBT, feminism or atheism.
Genera of the fresh law
The "ideological asylum" Act was signed by president Vladimir Putin in August 2024, but it began to apply only from 1 September. This initiative has been announced for many months and the Russian authorities have presented it as a consequence to the Western “moral decline”. In authoritative communications, Moscow refers to the request to defend values that it believes are threatened by liberal dominant ideas in Western countries.
The Russian Ministry of abroad Affairs announced the publication of a list of countries "destroying conventional values". Citizens of these countries will be able to apply for these ideological asylums. This list is intended to cover, among others, the countries of the European Union, the United States and Canada. It is worth noting, however, that an ideological visa will not be available to citizens of states that, according to Russia, share akin values – China, where, according to Moscow standards, “conservative” values are respected.
Conditions for granting ideological asylum
The fresh rules supply that a residence visa linked to ‘ideological asylum’ may be granted for a period of 3 years, with the anticipation of renewal. Interestingly, unlike conventional immigration procedures, granting this kind of visa does not require a foreigner to pass language or cultural tests, which are usually mandatory erstwhile applying for a long-term stay in Russia. For many foreigners who want to escape liberal values dominant in their homelands, it is an chance to settle in a country that in their eyes defends conventional principles.
Political motives and consequences
The introduction of "ideological asylum" is not only a step towards building Russian national identity on the foundations of conservatism, but besides an component of the wider geopolitical strategy of the Kremlin. Russia has been trying to position itself as a counterweight to the liberal West for years, presenting itself as a defender of “real” values. It is besides a way of gaining sympathy among social groups in Europe and North America who feel disillusioned with cultural changes taking place in their countries.
This kind of action falls within the broader context of Russian abroad policy. Moscow has been trying to influence right-wing and conservative movements in Europe for years, presenting itself as an alternate to the values promoted by the European Union and NATO. For example, efforts to support Eurosceptic movements or to prevent the expansion of sexual number rights in Central and east Europe.
However, critics of this right note that "ideological asylum" may be another component of Kremlin propaganda to divert attention from Russia's interior problems. On the global stage, the Kremlin is trying to make the image of Russia as a basis for conventional values, while ignoring issues specified as corruption, human rights violations or deficiency of freedom of speech.
Summary
The fresh "ideological asylum" law is another tool to aid Russia build its communicative as a defender of conservative values. For many foreigners it may be an attractive offer, especially for those who search an alternate to liberal changes occurring in the West. However, the introduction of this law besides raises a number of controversy and questions about the Kremlin's actual intentions and the possible impact on Russia's global relations.
The value of this right in practice will depend on the way it is implemented and the interest of foreigners. However, it can already be said that the introduction of "ideological asylum" falls within the broader context of Russian abroad policy, which has been trying to build Russia's image for years as an alternate to the values promoted by the Liberal West.
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Russia began issuing ideological visas for the tired “Western regime”
