Illegal
Migration in Russia
¥Estimates of the numbers of illegal migrants in Russia range from a half
million to 15 million
¥Most enter Russia legally and then overstay visas
¥Most are from other FSU states with large numbers also from Southeast
Asia
¥Many enter through Kazakhstan
¥Numbers of 1-2 million Chinese in the Russian Far East are probably
overstated
¥
Some engage in
criminal activities, most live on fringes of society
Some engage in
criminal activities, most live on fringes of society¥If numbers are correct, Russian population may not actually be declining
(e.g. 2000 US census)
¥Will know true numbers when first post-Soviet Russian census is conducted
in October 2002
¥Major implications for Russian economy and society
¥Official policy is to encourage return of Russians, discourage others,
and regulate internal flows