Factors of outmigration of the population of the Kaliningrad region: data from a sociological survey

Abstract

Using the example of the Kaliningrad Region, the article examines the structure and causes of population outmigration after 2022 using data from a survey conducted in the spring of 2024. The residents of the region were questioned on individual migration experience and on the migration experience of their immediate surroundings. It was revealed that the high migration mobility of the local population, as well as a significant proportion of new settlers, in particular, determined the high frequency of outmigration among the adult population: every fifth adult resident has at least one family among their acquaintances that left the region in 2022–2023. Transit migration through the region’s territory probably also takes place. The emigration of Kaliningrad residents was mainly due to security factors, political motives, but also the desire to improve    economic living conditions (when moving to non-CIS countries). Social migration ties played a crucial role. The motivation for moving to another region of Russia is primarily the search for a high-paying job and better opportunities for self-realization, improving financial well-being. The emigration processes mainly involved residents aged 25–44 with higher education, employed in the field of information technology, construction and industry, trade and services, including those working as entrepreneurs and self-employed. Another region of Russia was chosen by representatives of different age groups, including 45–55 years old and 18–24 years old, with specialized secondary or higher education, employed in the public sector, trade and services, construction, industry, as well as students. The study showed that the activation of migration potential in the Kaliningrad region in crisis situations occurs through migration links and due to the accumulated experience of mobility and lower resilience of the region because of the high import dependence of its economy (which exacerbates the gap in the level of socio economic development with other territories), which is relevant for both internal and international migration.