Russians are rather positive about granting Russian citizenship to foreign athletes, artists and performers. However, they think that more researchers, teachers and professionals should have an opportunity to be Russian residents.
MOSCOW, January 10, 2017. Russian Public Opining research Center (VCIOM) presents the results of a survey describing Russian attitudes toward issuing Russian citizenship to foreign artists and athletes.
Facts of granting citizenship to foreign actors and athletes (such as Gerard Depardieu, Steven Seagull) are widely known in our country: 95% heard about that including 46% of those who are informed quite well. Citizenship grants are perceived rather positively (49%) or indifferently (34%) rather than negatively (15%) by Russians.
Respondents think that the main reasons to choose Russian citizenship are, on the one hand, positive attitudes toward Russia and Russian culture (15%), Russia’s authority (14%), more favorable living conditions (7%), on the other hand, a desire to leave the countries with high taxation rates (22%), political differences with the heads of the home countries (11%).
Respondents consider that those who should obtain the citizenship first are researchers and teachers (51%) as well as skilled workers (37%).
The VCIOM survey was conducted on December 17-18, 2016, using stratified dual-frame random sample based on a complete list of landline and mobile phone numbers operating in Russia, and involved 1600 respondents. The data were weighted according to selection probability and social and demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 2.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes in question wording and different circumstances arising during the field work can introduce bias into the survey.
Do you know/have you heard/do you hear for the first time that a number of foreign athletes and artists have recently obtained Russian citizenship including Gerard Depardieu, Steven Seagull, Roy Jones and others? (closed-ended question, one answer, %) | ||||||
| Total respondents | Aged 18-24 | Aged 25-34 | Aged 35-44 | Aged 45-59 | Aged 60 and more |
I am well aware about that | 46 | 34 | 39 | 56 | 49 | 46 |
I heard something but I do not know details | 49 | 56 | 55 | 39 | 49 | 49 |
This is the first time I hear about that | 5 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 5 |
Don’t know | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What are your attitudes towards the fact that those athletes and artists have obtained Russian citizenship? (closed-ended question, one answer, %) | |||||||
| Total respondents | Moscow and St.Petersburg | Million cities | More than 500 ths | 100–500 ths | Less than 100 ths | Rural area |
Positive | 49 | 46 | 51 | 39 | 51 | 48 | 53 |
Negative | 15 | 10 | 8 | 19 | 12 | 16 | 18 |
Indifferently | 34 | 41 | 37 | 39 | 34 | 33 | 27 |
Don’t know | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
In your opinion, why did they decide to become Russian citizens? (open-ended question, not more than three answers, % of those who heard that Depardieu, Seagull, Jones and others obtained Russian citizenship; answers of at least 1% of respondents) | |
| Total respondents |
Advantages of Russia | |
They like Russia and Russian culture | 15 |
Russia’s prestige, stability | 14 |
It is better to live in Russia | 7 |
Business opportunities | 4 |
Life in Russia is cheaper | 3 |
One can get higher income | 3 |
They have Russian roots | 3 |
High potential for development, high demand | 3 |
They are afraid of war / coup d’état | 1 |
They want to have double citizenship | 1 |
They seek opportunities to go to Russia | 1 |
Disadvantages of the West | |
They escape high taxes | 22 |
Political discord | 11 |
Life got worse in their countries | 2 |
Unstable situation in the USA | 2 |
Their activity is restricted, their rights are infringed | 2 |
Other | |
They want to attract attention | 7 |
They are given presents (the government grants them an apartment, a car; they are granted pension and apartment for no particular reason) | 1 |
Don’t know | 23 |
In your opinion, to whom should it be granted first? (closed-ended question, not more than two answers, %) | |
| Total respondents |
Scientists, teachers | 51 |
Skilled workers | 37 |
Athletes | 16 |
Entrepreneurs, investors | 16 |
Artists, performers | 10 |
Showbiz celebrities | 1 |
Other | 6 |
Citizenship should be granted regardless of the activities | 10 |
Russia should stop issuing citizenship to foreigners | 6 |
Don’t know | 2 |
Note: Using materials from the site www.wciom.ru or wciom.com, as well as distributed by VCIOM, the reference to the source (or hyperlink for the electronic media) is obligatory!