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Canadian who moved his family to Russia for ‘traditional values’ says he no longer recommends it: permanent residency would require signing a Defense Ministry contract (meduza.io)
submitted 1 week ago by to c/leopardsatemyface@lemmy.world
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Canadian farmer Arend Feenstra, who moved to Russia through a streamlined immigration program for citizens of “unfriendly” countries who share “traditional values,” has complained that he cannot get a permanent residence permit. The news outlet Nizhny Novgorod Onlain drew attention to his YouTube video.

Feenstra received a three-year temporary residence permit in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod region in early 2025. He then brought his wife and eight children to Russia and began farming.

But Feenstra has now learned that to replace his temporary residence permit with a permanent one, he must sign a contract with Russia’s Defense Ministry.

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[–] 41 points 1 week ago (4 children)

How can someone move his family with 8 children to a war zone? "Traditional values" what the fuck?

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  • [–] 9 points 1 week ago

    Tbf, he was probably very far away from the war (Russia is massive). And for all that he paid attention to Canada's flaws, he didn't pay attention to Russia's trafficking in people from all over the world to act as cannon fodder. Unfortunately for his family, he didn't realize his privileges until they got revoked.

    Ofc, there's nothing preventing him (trying to) move his family back to Canada, but I wouldn't be surprised if any assets he has in Russia are confiscated (the farm, any money he might have, etc). They'll probably let the wife return, and hopefully any younger kids, but the dad's fate and that of any older boys (who I feel very sorry for) may be very different.

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