cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/11690348

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.

"I didn’t come here to sign a contract [...] I have eight young children [...] I’d rather take my chances in Canada, though I think living there is risky too," Feenstra said.

...

He also said his family no longer recommends that other foreigners move to Russia because the authorities keep changing the rules and “there’s no way forward.”

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[–] 38 points 1 day ago

Aww poor guy. Is there somewhere we can donate to buy him some sunflower seeds to stuff in his pockets? /s

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  • [–] 31 points 1 day ago (3 children)

    What "traditional values" can you have so that you think you must move to Russia instead of staying in Canada?

    How is living in Canada risky?!

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  • [–] 34 points 1 day ago (8 children)

    Ah a classic case of hating democracy but also a strange dislike for doing things the man at the top dictates you to do.

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  • [+] -9 points 1 day ago* (4 children)
  • [–] 4 points 1 day ago (3 children)

    Ukraine will restore democratic process after the war, russia never had it.

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  • [–] 18 points 1 day ago

    Isn't serving in the military also a part of traditional values? Guy is obviously just too woke /s

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  • [–] 5 points 22 hours ago

    play stupid games win stupid prizes

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  • [–] 17 points 1 day ago
    [–] 9 points 1 day ago

    As a Canadian, I hope he's not allowed to return.

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  • [–] 4 points 1 day ago

    Leopard farmer finds out they like tasty faces...

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  • [–] 11 points 1 day ago

    There's just no pleasing some people.

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  • [–] 5 points 1 day ago
    [–] 3 points 23 hours ago

    make his bitch ass serve

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  • [–] 6 points 1 day ago