Two thirds of IT specialists who left Russia in 2022 returned, IT personnel growing - ministry

MOSCOW. April 5 (Interfax) - Two thirds of IT specialists who left Russia in 2022 have returned, and the overall number of IT personnel grew 13% last year alongside a rise in the average wage in this sector, the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media said.

"The ministry does not confirm media reports alleging a mass outflow of IT specialists. To the ministry's knowledge, two thirds of specialists who left in 2022 have returned. We did not see an outflow of IT specialists last year. According to Rosstat, the number of IT personnel grew 13% to 857,000 last year," it said.

IT was one of the most dynamic sectors of the Russian economy in 2023, the ministry said, noting double-digit growth of every economic indicator for the industry. The shipment of industry goods and services, which is the most significant performance indicator, grew over 30% in 2023 to three trillion rubles, and the average salary increased by 13% in the IT industry that year.

"IT specialists are widely using benefits, including IT mortgage programs. Over 50,000 mortgage loans have been approved since May 2022. The program was extended ahead of time, and mortgage loans are expected to total 700 billion rubles," the ministry said.

The newspaper Kommersant said on Friday, citing the Garant In consulting agency, that demand from Russian IT specialists for European residence permit programs soared at the beginning of 2024. The number of applications grew 233% year-on-year in the first quarter (the absolute figures are withheld). Garant In said that demand increased by 44% in 2023. Around 80% of all applicants sought residence permits in France, and 10% applied for residence in Italy, the newspaper said.