Affecting International Migration Trends through a Multi-Faceted Policy: Kazakhstan within Central Asia and the EAEU

Abstract

This article assesses the implementation of migration policy in Kazakhstan over the past twenty years, focusing on the results attained through attempts to reverse Kazakhstan’s net negative migration trends. Our analysis traces the impact of socio-economic conditions on migration processes, using the example of the Central Asian and Eurasian Economic Union member states including Kazakhstan. Consideration of further factors, such as ethnic repatriation, also points to the uphill battle that Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries face in maintaining their skilled workforce and encouraging high skilled migrants to come into the country. The results of the analysis reveal the causes of the low level of efficiency in the Republic of Kazakhstan’s migration policy. Undocumented workers continue to play a major role in industries outside of the highly skilled and household workers, yet they are often denied their labor and human rights. The authors propose new approaches in the regulation of migration activities aimed at improving the quality of life of prospective migrants, improving the socio-economic conditions of the native population, and mitigating the further outflow of highly qualified specialists from the country. These approaches recognize that solutions must not only address barriers to economic success in Kazakhstan, but also must inspire confidence in Kazakhstan’s improving economic situation even when per capita income remains relatively low.