Canadian who moved his family to Russia for ‘traditional values’ says he no longer recommends it: permanent residency would require signing a Defense Ministry contract
Canadian farmer Arend Feenstra, who moved to Russia through a streamlined immigration program for citizens of “unfriendly” countries who share “traditional values,” has complained that he cannot get a permanent residence permit. The news outlet Nizhny Novgorod Onlain drew attention to his YouTube video.
Arend Feenstra, a Canadian farmer, relocated his family to Russia under a program aimed at those who share "traditional Russian spiritual and moral values." The program, initiated in August 2024, granted Feenstra and his wife a three-year temporary residence permit, allowing them to settle in Nizhny Novgorod region and start farming.
However, Feenstra has since discovered that to obtain a permanent residence permit, he must sign a contract with Russia's Defense Ministry. This requirement applies to foreign men aged 18 to 65, even those who entered Russia under the "traditional values" program. Despite initially expressing a desire to stay in Russia, Feenstra now regrets his decision, stating that he wouldn't recommend it to others due to the changing rules and lack of clarity.
He plans to reapply for temporary residence once his current permit expires, emphasizing his family's intention to remain in Canada despite its perceived risks.
Written by urgent.news from Meduza (English)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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