"No Way Forward": A Canadian who moved to Russia as a supporter of "traditional values" can't get permanent residence, and is being forced to go to the "SVO"
A Canadian farmer and father of many children Arend Feinstra came to Russia in 2024 and settled in The Nizhny Novgorod regionHis family became the first in the region to receive a temporary residence permit under a simplified program for citizens of unfriendly countries who share "traditional family values." However, they have not yet been able to obtain permanent residency—officials are urging the Canadian to sign a contract with the Ministry of Defense.
"I didn't come here to sign a contract. I understand why it's needed and why they [the authorities] want you to sign it,"рассказал Rent to journalists. - But I have eight small children at home and a farm to tend to. I can't leave for a year, two, three, or four."
He says he still doesn't regret moving. However, he has stopped inviting other foreigners to Russia.
“The problem is that there is no way forward, and more and more people are realizing this,” says the Canadian. — Every time you get close to achieving your goals, the rules change."
In January 2024, the government of the Nizhny Novgorod region actively promoted The story of a farmer who moved his wife and eight children to Russia to build a family farm and create new jobs.
"It's a great place to raise children in a traditional culture," journalists quoted the Canadian. We feel safe in the Nizhny Novgorod region."
However, already in February the family faced The Russian accounts into which all the money from the sale of Canadian real estate was transferred were frozen—the bank found this amount suspicious.
Then the officials demanded from the family to master the Russian language in nine weeks and pass a test on its knowledge.
At the end of 2024, the head of the family, who was admitted to the hospital, was shocked the shameless attitude of doctors towards patients.
Last year he was upset due to the fact that he was unable to win a grant to purchase agricultural equipment.
In just a few months, the older children have returned to Canada because they chose to build their lives there. And those who remained, we went this summer on vacation in Crimea.
Photo: social networks
