MIGRATION FLOWS FROM KAZAKHSTAN: DESTINATION COUNTRIES AND ANALYSIS OF SCIENTIFIC APPROACHES

Abstract

This study examines migration flows from Kazakhstan, focusing on the period between 2019 and 2023 to uncover the key trends, driving factors, and socio-economic impacts of migration. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a review of recent scientific literature with a quantitative analysis of statistical data from the Bureau of National Statistics of Kazakhstan. The research identified significant destination countries, including Russia and Germany. It explored emerging trends such as increasing migration to regional neighbours like Kyrgyzstan and the growing appeal of economically advanced nations such as the United States. Key findings reveal a significant decline in migration over the five years, with numbers dropping from 45,225 migrants in 2019 to 16,094 in 2023, primarily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and domestic socio-economic factors. Despite this decline, challenges such as brain drain and labour shortages persist, particularly in rural areas. The results underscore the critical need for comprehensive migration management policies to address the socio-economic consequences of migration and retain human capital. These insights contribute to developing evidence-based strategies for mitigating the negative impacts of migration and leveraging its potential benefits for national and regional development.