New Russian Migrants in Armenia and Georgia: Challenges and Opportunities

The Russo-Ukrainian military conflict has forced many people in both countries to leave their homes. Based on original data sets collected in the capitals of Armenia and Georgia in November and December 2023, including in-depth interviews with migrants and domestic experts as well as participant observation, this paper focuses on the recent migration wave from Russia. New Russian migrants—often referred to as relokanty in Russian, from the English word “relocation”—represent a heterogeneous group. Six motivational types have been identified, having different motives for leaving and conditions for returning. Many have non-political reasons for migrating. In addition to migration as an act of protest, in fear of repression, or as an escape from mobilization, there is migration for the continuation of a career, for long-term travel, and to join a family member. The factors that enrich and challenge the social, cultural, and economic lives of this new wave of Russian migrants in both host countries are analyzed and discussed.