Major corporations aided in the relocation of 9,600 families from the Arctic region

Major corporations aided in the relocation of 9,600 families from the Arctic region

Moving on from the Sea-Land program, here's a lowdown on what's happening in Norilsk, Russia, as of now. Let's dive into the current situation and opportunities for residents who might be considering a new setup.

Dmitriy Karasev, the mayor of Norilsk, spilled the beans on the big move of Norilsk and Duydinka residents during a live broadcast. Originally, the displacement program operated from 2011 to 2020, with a four-way agreement between the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, the government of Krasnoyarsk Krai, Norilsk Nickel, and the city administration. However, since 2021, the relocation efforts continued under a different agreement involving the Ministry of Development of the Far East and Arctic, the region, the city administration, and Norilsk Nickel.

"Successfully wrapping up in 2024, the program saw over 9600 families moving," said Dmitriy during the broadcast. More specifically, 7798 families left Norilsk, and 1815 families moved out of Duydinka. The majority of these relocations involved retirees, and the queue was formed based on social criteria approved at both the federal and regional levels, with priority given to disabled and retired individuals.

According to the statistics, most Norilsk residents opted for moving to Krasnoyarsk Krai (18.7%), followed closely by Moscow Oblast (10.6%) and St. Petersburg (8.4%). There were also some who chose Moscow, Krasnodar Krai, and Leningrad Oblast as their new homes.

The whole program cost approximately 23 billion rubles, with the lion's share of the funding, around 16.3 billion rubles, contributed by Norilsk Nickel within the public-private partnership framework. It's worth noting that such large-scale relocation programs in other regions are typically government exclusives. Surprisingly, the local industrialists in the region continued investing in the relocation of Norilsk residents even after the cessation of government funding.

Many Norilsk residents have wondered about the availability of support in resolving the housing issue post-2024.

Well, stirring excitement, Dmitriy revealed that there are indeed two ongoing programs aimed at helping those planning a fresh start.

He explained, "This is the federal program in line with Federal Law 125, passed back in 2002, which is being implemented in accordance with the federal program 'Ensuring Affordable and Comfortable Housing and Communal Services for Russian Citizens,' and the regional program in line with the Law of Krasnoyarsk Krai 'On Social Support for Citizens Leaving Arctic Regions and Equivalent Localities for Other Regions of Krasnoyarsk Krai' (program 'North-South'). The former program focuses on social benefits for buying or building housing in regions across Russia, while the latter offers such assistance in southern Krasnoyarsk Krai."

In order to participate in the federal program, residents are required to visit the Norilsk Administration and submit an application to the housing fund, he added.

Both federal and regional programs cater to the acquisition of social benefits for housing. Participants can expect to see the resolution of their housing issues in 2026-2027.

When it comes to prioritization, special attention is paid to disadvantaged groups, such as disabled individuals, disabled since childhood, pensioners, and the unemployed.

It's important to note that the number of people wanting to move out of Norilsk has declined compared to the early 2010s. The initial program was primarily aimed at those who lost their savings following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and were without any means to improve their living conditions. Moreover, housing prices in the north during that time were incredibly low.

Nowadays, living conditions in Norilsk have significantly improved, both economically and environmentally. The Norilsk housing market offers properties at prices comparable to other regions, making it possible for residents who decide to relocate to buy a home elsewhere after selling their properties in the north.

In addition, living in Norilsk has become more comfortable, with environmental improvements due to the launch of the Clean Air program and ongoing major renovation works in the city. In the 'million-city' beyond the Arctic Circle, new homes are being built while social facilities are being constructed. Like other companies, Norilsk Nickel is investing heavily to attract an active workforce to its new projects and productions by enhancing the quality of life in Norilsk and other settlements in Taimyr.

Photos by DELA, Government of Krasnoyarsk Krai.

[1] Source: The Siberian Times, Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, Russia Beyond, RT.com, Yale University.

1. The federal program, established in 2002 and called 'Ensuring Affordable and Comfortable Housing and Communal Services for Russian Citizens,' is part of the solution for Norilsk residents seeking housing support after the relocation program ends in 2024.
2. Participants in this federal program can expect resolutions to their housing issues around the years 2026-2027, as per the current timeline.
3. Individuals like the unemployed, pensioners, and disabled people are prioritized within these programs for housing benefits due to their vulnerable circumstances.

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