Status of Post-February 2022 Russian Migrants: A Comparative Study

Abstract

This thesis examines how recent migration policy modifications have impacted the rights of regular Russian migrants who relocated following the 24 February 2022 exodus. Utilising comparative legal studies and the law-in-context approach, the research focuses on Germany, Kazakhstan and Türkiye. These diverse host states were selected for experiencing significant post-2022 Russian influxes and observable migration policy modifications by November 2024. Despite the hypothesis that modifications to national migration policies shrink the sets of rights available to regular post-February 2022 Russian immigrants, the research findings paint a more complex picture. On the one hand, Kazakhstan and Türkiye introduced measures to reduce semi-legality by tightening migration controls and limiting practices like border runs. In turn, Germany has increased scrutiny of visa applications, driven by security concerns in the geopolitical context. On the other hand, all three jurisdictions have also expanded migrants’ rights in various ways, mainly through measures aimed at attracting skilled workers, creating clearer pathways to long-term residence and fostering economic growth. Considering that migrants’ rights derive from their immigration statuses within the multi-dimensional legal framework and socio-political context of host states, the study concludes that while national migration policy modifications have restricted the rights of specific categories of migrants, they have simultaneously created new opportunities for regularisation and stability. Although none of the countries introduced specific mechanisms for post-February 2022 Russian immigrants, Germany maintained targeted measures rather than sweeping restrictions, Kazakhstan demonstrated a pragmatic balance between economic interests and security concerns, and Türkiye’s opaque, fast-changing migration policies reduced the migrant population.