Westerners Flee to Belarus and Russia: A New Wave of Immigration

The growing number of people relocating to Belarus and Russia from Western countries is a significant development. A recent decree by President Putin allows foreigners to obtain a three-month visa without bureaucratic hurdles, if they disagree with their home countries' ideologies. This has led to a wave of applications, with nearly 600 submitted in the second half of 2024 alone, according to the Agency for Strategic Initiatives. One commentator noted, "The trend reflects a growing dissatisfaction with the political and social climate in many Western nations."