Following a short-term burst of migration activity after the dissolution of the USSR, the current situation is marked by the unusually low population territorial mobility, defined by both the political and, increasingly, the socioeconomic factors. While this trend indicates some degree of minority accommodation, it also demonstrates the depth of economic crisis and increasing socioeconomic differentiation. Visible also is the disproportionate influence exercised by Russia on the formation of migration flows in the region. Remaining the major recipient of migrants, Russia increasingly plays a role of supplier of labor migrants to the West, and acts as a "bridge"; for those attempting to reach Western Europe. Meanwhile, Russia still lacks an effective legislative base, institutional mechanisms, and political will for dealing with the new migration flows. © 2004 The Regents of the University of California. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Labor migration Labor market Russia Commonwealth of Independent States social policy Illegal migration

labor migration immigration policy migration determinant World Eurasia legislation illegal immigrant Eastern Hemisphere Russian Federation