International migration in Russia’s northern regions: Spatial patterns and the role in provision of human resources

For most northern and Arctic territories, international migration is the only type of population movement with a positive net migration rate, which underscores the relevance of this research. The study examines international migration flows in the regions of the Russian North during the late Soviet and contemporary periods. The object of the study is 13 regions fully included in the list of Far North territories and areas equated to them. The aim is to reveal the spatial patterns of international migration in the northern regions of Russia and to assess its role in providing them with labor resources for the economy. The methodological framework includes the use of official migration statistics, census data, and scientific network methods to analyze data network structures. A network approach is applied to analyze the largest international migration flows. It is shown how migration trajectories have shifted during the transition from the development of the North in the late Soviet period to the contemporary system of international labor migration, with the Urals North and Central Asian countries playing an increasing role in migration exchange. Migration hubs and territorial clusters within migration networks are identified. The classification of migration flows allowed identifying groups of countries which have social, economic, cultural relations with the regions of the Russian North. The study highlights the special role of the Sakhalin Region and the Republic of Karelia as northern regions with the largest migration exchange with non-CIS countries. The importance of the Arkhangelsk Region in international educational migration is also noted. The study confirms the effectiveness of the network approach in analyzing international migration flows. The findings can contribute to further research on international migration and to the formulation of strategic documents for the development of the North of Russia.