When migration officials detained six pregnant Russian women at a Buenos Aires airport in early February, they exposed a phenomenon that has been growing in the country for a year: Russian birthing tourism.
As Russia’s President Vladimir Putin wages war in Ukraine, Argentina has gradually become the destination of choice for Russian expectant parents fleeing the threat of conscription and seeking new passports in the South American country.
Pregnant Russian women and couples with a newborn baby have become increasingly visible in Buenos Aires over the last year, whether in cafes, parks, or buses, but especially in private clinics.
The case of the six detained women sent alarm bells ringing at the Directorate of Migrations, worried that something underhand was afoot.
Authorities were worried criminal gangs were involved and are investigating but some authorities believe the Russians just wanted to give birth in the country.
Argentina’s quality medical facilities and the ease with which nationality is obtained are part of the draw.
They mostly arrive on flights from Amsterdam, Istanbul and Addis Ababa.
There is nothing new about Russians seeking dual nationality for their children, a man who created an agency to help expectant parents in Argentina told AFP under condition of anonymity. Before, the preferred destination was the United States.
According to the federal police, some networks charge up to US$35,000 for birthing tourism.
Authorities are worried mafia organisations could be trying to get access to Argentine passports.
Police conducted a raid in Buenos Aires last week, seizing telephones, documents and several currencies, although no arrests were made.
The Argentine passport allows you to travel to 175 countries without a visa, around 50 more than with a Russian passport.
SOURCE: www.batimes.com.ar