Alla Shelyapina
Abraham Kalugin and his family. Photo: Russkiy Mir.ru magazine
In 2022 the number of compatriots from non-CIS countries who moved to Russia under the government program, increased by 30 times. For many of these people, the political crisis around Ukraine was the trigger for this decision: they have started to implement long-held plans. Some of them fled Europe and America from the rampant Russophobia.
It is not the first year the families of Russian Old Believers, who were deeply connected with th Russian culture, came back to Russia from Latin America and South Africa. Primorsky Krai has developed a special Resettlement of Compatriots Program program for Old Believers, allocating land the settlements and farming. For 14 years since 2009, 49 families of Old Believers (200 people) from South America have moved to Primorsky Krai. Almost half of them (23 families) moved to Russia in the last 2 years and 4 months.
Russkiy Mir talked to Avraham Kalugin, the head of one of the recently resettled families (his family came to Russia from Brazil two years ago), and Sergey Pushkaryov, the curator of the Old Believer resettlement program in Primorye.
- Abraham, why did you decide to return to Russia and why did you choose the Far East?
We made the decision to return to Russia because it is our homeland that holds great significance to our spiritual life. Despite being born and raised in Brazil, we were brought up with the Russian language and the customs and traditions of our Old Believer ancestors by our grandparents. Our connection to Russia runs deep.
Another factor in our decision was the opportunity for land ownership and farming. After exploring various regions of Russia, we ultimately chose the Far East, specifically Primorsky Krai. The region offered up to 600 hectares of land per family for free use, and we have already claimed 250 hectares. We are eager to expand further, but we have encountered some challenges along the way.
The process of resettlement is not just about physically moving, but also about adapting to a new environment, obtaining necessary documents, and integrating into the local community. In Primorsky Krai, we were fortunate to have the support of Sergey Grigoryevich Pushkaryov, who reached out to us while we were still in Brazil. He and his team guided us through every step of the relocation process, providing assistance with paperwork, answering our questions, and helping us navigate the bureaucratic procedures. Sergey's help was particularly invaluable as he was available to us at all hours and ensured that our transition was as smooth as possible. Although we are fluent in Russian, his assistance with written applications was greatly appreciated.
Sergey was the first person we saw in the host country when we arrived in Vladivostok. He traveled with us to different places in the region, showed around and described the resettling conditions. When we chose an area and a village, he helped us with moving.
There is surprisingly good cooperation between the authorities and the community in general. Now there are many of us, and last year we have launched the Old Believers organization Spas, which was specifically created to help resettles in Primorye.
- Many immigrants complain about the difficulty of entering the relocation program: you have to collect a lot of different documents, correctly fill out all the forms and applications. What difficulties have you encountered in processing documents? What would you change in the procedure of collecting and submitting them?
- The procedure of joining the State Program is not burdensome. Primorsky Krai has fulfilled its obligations. We have been reimbursed for all our expenses, and we have been paid an allowance. We received housing certificates and bought houses. Children went to school and receive individual tuition. There are no problems with that. But due to a number of bureaucratic issues, the entry into the state program is delayed for several months.
First, because of the logistical difficulties associated with anti-Russian sanctions, the transfer of a package of documents from foreign consulates general of Russia to the migration departments in Primorsky Krai and back sometimes takes several months. It may be much more efficient to resolve this issue electronically with satisficated Gosuslugi portal, which is very easy and fast.
Secondly, we should finally resolve the problem of obtaining a temporary residence permit in Russia (TARP) simultaneously with applications to participate in the State program. Now only the Consulate General of Russia in Bolivia does this. The procedure for obtaining a temporary residence permit upon arrival in Russia takes two months. During that period we had difficulties to resolve such everyday issues as kindergartens and schools, medical insurance.
Thirdly, flight expenses are reimbursed. We have to travel to Vladivostok. It takes several days, or even a week, through two or three countries. It is a very long and exhausting journey, especially with young children and a lot of luggage. It would be beneficial to reconsider the reimbursement procedure for travel expenses to Russia.
Sergei Pushkaryov, Head of the Russian Federal Migration Service for Primorskii Krai, explains:
“The region has a strong interest in attracting new residents, particularly those who are willing to cultivate the land. Old Believers are known for their practicality and resourcefulness, which are valuable traits in this context. However, to start cultivating arable lands that have been untouched for 20 years requires not only physical labor but also financial resources. While the Government of Primorsky Krai offers grant support to cover expenses related to bringing fallow lands into agricultural use, purchasing machinery, seed materials, mineral fertilizers, and plant protection measures, these funds often fall short. Additional substantial funds are needed."
"In March 2023, following Primorsky Krai's appeal to the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia, Rosselkhozbank introduced the Native Land credit, specifically tailored for Old Believer compatriots. This loan offers up to 100 million rubles, with a repayment period of up to 20 years and a grace period of up to 3 years for the principal debt repayment. However, the interest rate is currently set at 15%, which is unaffordable for the farmers. I'm aware that the government of Primorsky Krai has reached out to the Russian Federation Government, requesting a reduction in the interest rate for this loan."
Abraham Kalugin adds:
"The answer to your last question depends on how this matter to be resolved: Are you waiting for your compatriots to come here, or no one else is willing to make a move? We genuinely desire to return to our homeland, but we require some assistance and support."
