New law on remote work in Russia has scared workers
2023.01.02 05:02
New law on remote work in Russia has scared workers
Budrigannews.com – As authorities attempt to entice some of the tens of thousands of people who have relocated abroad without forcing them to completely cut ties, Russia’s shaky information technology sector runs the risk of losing even more workers in the coming year as a result of planned legislation on remote working.
IT workers were among the many Russians who fled after Moscow sent its army into Ukraine on February 24 and the hundreds of thousands who followed when a military call-up began in September due to their relatively mobile jobs.
According to estimates from the government, 100,000 IT specialists are currently employed by foreign Russian businesses.
Right now, it is being talked about passing legislation early next year that could make it illegal to work from home in some professions.
Some IT professionals have been banned from leaving Russia because hawkish lawmakers are concerned that more Russian IT professionals may end up working in NATO countries and accidentally sharing sensitive security information.
However, in December, the Digital Ministry stated that a complete ban could reduce the effectiveness and, consequently, the competitiveness of Russian IT firms: In the end, the winner will be whoever can bring in the best employees, including those from other countries.
While many young Russians who are disillusioned have relocated to Latvia, Georgia, or Armenia, where Russian is widely spoken, a few have chosen to move to Argentina.
Roman Tulnov, a 36-year-old IT specialist, stated that he would never return to Russia.
“For a while, I had wanted to leave. Everything became clear on February 24. I comprehended that there was no more life in Russia,” he said, crediting activation specifically for the valuable chance to work multiple times zones away nevertheless keep his work.
“Nobody thought about giving the go-ahead for people to move to who knows where before mobilization.”
The powerful chairman of Russia’s State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, has stated that workers who have relocated abroad should pay more in taxes.
Item fashioner Yulia, 26, assessed that a fourth of her group would prefer to stop than return to Russia under coercion.
“Choosing such a non-alternative option is somewhat analogous to negotiating with terrorists: “Come back or we’ll make it impossible for you, your company, and your employees to do your job,” she warned.
It’s also possible that some Russian expatriates will avoid paying taxes at all. Employees who are residents are subject to a 13 percent personal income tax, but foreign workers who work for Russian-based businesses are left to their own devices.
Sasha, a 37-year-old professional online poker player who also resides in Argentina, claimed to have stopped paying taxes to Russia.
He stated, “When you pay taxes, you support the state and its expansion of its military.” I do not intend to pay and am not paying.”
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