The social and political transitions that have come about in Russia since the mid 1980s, in particular the legal recognition of the right to free movement in the Migration Law of 1993/96, have resulted in an increase in labour out-migration from the country. This increase is, however, not nearly as large as one would expect given the poor economic conditions in Russia. This paper presents the results of two surveys that were carried out to assess the migration intentions of Russian workers, the methods they employ to effectuate these intentions, and the obstacles they encounter. The population sample of the first survey represented the totality of active men and women in Moscow. The second survey was aimed at a specific sector of the Russian population for whom the possibility of labour migration is particularly relevant, i.e. highly qualified specialists. On the basis of the survey results, conclusions are drawn with respect to the potentials of permanent or temporary labour out-migration from Russia.
