The New “Anti-Woke” Visa

Summary

The video discusses Russia's introduction of a 'shared values' visa, targeting Westerners seeking to escape what they perceive as 'woke' culture and declining traditional values. The visa offers an exemption from language and history tests, a potential path to citizenship, and no immigration quotas. However, it requires applicants to align with certain conservative values. The host raises concerns about the long-term implications of such a move, suggesting it might isolate individuals from Western ties and banking systems, while also highlighting alternative locations with conservative leanings.

Takeaways

• 🇷🇺 Russia has introduced a new residence permit called the 'Shared Values Visa' aimed at attracting Westerners who oppose 'woke' culture and seek traditional values.
• 📜 The visa application does not require applicants to learn Russian language or pass a Russian history test, unlike other visa types.
• 🌐 There is a potential path to citizenship for certain immigrants under this visa, though details are pending.
• 🏦 The visa exempts applicants from the usual immigration quotas that limit foreign immigration to Russia.
• 💬 Applicants must declare that they share certain political and social views, such as being pro-life, supporting traditional family structures, and prioritizing spiritual over material values.
• 🤔 The visa may commit applicants to cutting ties with the West, as living in or becoming a tax resident of Russia could affect international banking and business relations.
• 🌍 The visa is part of a broader trend of countries offering residence to those with certain values, not limited to Russia.
• 🏙️ Russia is marketing itself as a haven for those seeking traditional values, in contrast to the perceived liberal shift in Western countries.
• 👥 The visa could appeal to a niche demographic of conservatives, but it's important for potential applicants to consider the long-term implications of such a move.
• 🏛️ Russia's multicultural society is often overlooked, and the visa does not necessarily represent the views of all ethnic groups within the country.
• 📈 Despite geopolitical tensions, Russia's economy is growing and has managed to navigate around many Western sanctions.

Q & A

What is the 'shared values Visa' introduced by Russia?

The 'shared values Visa' is a new residence permit introduced by Russia for Westerners who want to escape what they perceive as 'woke culture' and the loss of traditional values in the West.

Why is Russia offering this new visa, and what does it aim to attract?

Russia is offering this visa to attract conservatives who feel their home countries have become unrecognizable due to progressive policies and are looking for a place with more conservative values.

What are the requirements for obtaining the shared values Visa?

Applicants for the shared values Visa are not required to learn Russian or pass a Russian history test, and they must declare that they share certain political and social views such as being pro-life and supporting traditional family structures.

Is there a language requirement for the shared values Visa?

No, those requesting the shared values Visa are not required to learn the Russian language, which is different from some other residence permit programs in Russia.

What is the potential path to citizenship for immigrants with the shared values Visa?

There is a possible path to citizenship for certain immigrants, but full details are not yet available.

How does the shared values Visa differ from other residence permits in Russia?

Unlike other residence permits, the shared values Visa exempts applicants from learning Russian and from passing Russian history tests, and it includes a potential path to citizenship.

What are the broader implications of accepting the shared values Visa for an individual?

Accepting the shared values Visa could mean making a significant commitment to Russia, potentially cutting ties with Western countries and possibly facing difficulties in opening bank accounts or conducting business with Western entities.

What are the quotas that usually limit foreign immigration to Russia?

Quotas limit the number of foreigners who can immigrate to Russia, but applicants for the shared values Visa are excluded from these quotas.

What does Russia's multicultural composition imply for the shared values Visa?

Russia's multicultural composition, with regions that are Muslim and have immigration from Central Asia, indicates that the shared values Visa is not just for people from a particular cultural or religious background.

What are some of the concerns about the shared values Visa in terms of its impact on an individual's life?

Concerns include the potential for painting oneself into a corner with regard to Western ties, the impact on banking and business dealings, and the long-term implications of becoming a tax resident in Russia.

How does the shared values Visa fit into the broader context of global immigration and conservative values?

The shared values Visa is part of a larger trend where countries with more conservative values are attracting those who feel their home countries have become too progressive, but it's important to consider all options and implications before making a decision.