Economic migration from Buryatia: factors, tendencies and consequences

Abstract

This article presents statistical data about migration from the Republic of Buryatia. It explores factors that induce people to leave the region, and analyses main tendencies and social-political consequences of migration processes in relation to the measures of Republic migration policy. The paper considers the main push-factors of migration from Buryatia such as employment issues, low wage, and low standard of living; moreover, an absence of prestigious higher educational institutions also provokes the outflow of ambitious and intellectual youth from the Republic. The primary centers of attraction are Moscow and St. Petersburg, although, significant part of Buryatia’ population also migrates inside the Siberian region. The government of Buryatia works on variety of concepts and projects for development of the region. In addition to the development of tourism and natural resources in Buryatia, the priorities of socio-economic policy are improving living standards and creating jobs. However, clear and coordinated work of the state bodies is the most significant factor for successful implementation of these projects. Moreover, the republican authorities do not pay enough attention to support and develop state universities in Buryatia, which are hardly able to compete with the leading educational institutions of Russia. Development of the republican universities and institutes is needed not only to keep their own youth and attract young people from other regions and countries, but also to create opportunities and conditions for research and implementation of innovative projects.