During the research of the relationship between ethnic identity and migration attitudes among modern youth, 216 young people aged 18 to 35 living in St. Petersburg and Moscow were examined. Respondents answered three blocks of questions: socio-demographic indicators; questions aimed to determine the level of ethnic identity of respondents; questions aimed to determine the level of migration attitudes among respondents. The questionnaire was compiled on the basis of the methodological development of G.U. Soldatova "Types of Ethnic Identity"; "Ethnic Tendencies" and “Satisfaction with various spheres of life”. The obtained data were processed using ANOVA, correlation and factor analysis of variance. As a result of the study, it was found that ethnic identity largely determines the level of migration attitudes of young people; the higher the level of well-being of the respondent, the lower the level of ethnic identity; migratory sentiment tends to decrease with age; men demonstrate a greater level of ethnic identity than women; the higher the level of education, the higher the likelihood of migration attitudes among young people. As a result of the conclusions made, a number of measures were proposed aimed at improving the state socio-demographic policy in the field of work with youth in order to reduce emigration flows from the Russian Federation and the outflow of potential highly qualified personnel, caused by the coronavirus COVID=19 pandemics.