01 March 2004 08:44
Russia: Far Eastern authorities alarmed by unfavourable demographic situation
Vladivostok, 1 March: The authorities in Maritime Territory are alarmed by the increasing exodus of the
Russian-speaking population from the region and the inflow of immigrants from foreign and CIS countries. Since 1995 the
number of foreigners coming to the region has risen tenfold, with 75 per cent of migrants arriving from China, later to
marry Russian women and receive Russian citizenship.
A programme aimed at controlling migration and improving the demographic situation is being developed in the region.
It will look at ways of improving the demographic situation in Maritime Territory and living standards of the
Russian-speaking population as well as steps aimed at promoting the birth rate and increasing life expectancy.
"The outflow of residents to western Russia is taking place against the backdrop of an uncontrolled inflow of
foreign immigrants. Over 320,000 foreign citizens are arriving in Maritime Territory every year," a statement from
the Maritime Territory administration says. There are about 15,000 Chinese, North Korean and Vietnamese citizens
officially working in the region. The Maritime Territory authorities are trying to control migration by creating jobs
for the local population. As part of a targeted programme, 32,000 jobs were created in 2003.
[ITAR-TASS news agency] |
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