The emigration from Kazakhstan reaches the lowest level in a decade
According to analysts, emigration from Kazakhstan reaches its lowest level in more than ten years. Basing on data from the National Statistics Bureau (NSB) of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan (ASPiR RK), they highlight shifting demographic and economic patterns within the country.
According to the report, only 1700 individuals left Kazakhstan for permanent residence abroad in January- April 2025. For comparison, 4800 people emigrated in the same period in 2024 (2.8 times more). Also, 8100 people entered Kazakhstan between January and April 2025, compared to 9,900 the previous year. This makes the migration balance remain positive, with more people arriving than leaving.
A consistent downward trend is underscored by a longer-term view. Around 155,700 people emigrated in 2000, while this figure had dropped to 12,700 by 2024. There were some notable upticks between 2006-2008 and 2013-2019. Nevertheless, the number of people immigrated to the country was almost two times more than the number who left in 2024 (23,900), what makes migration balance remain positive.
Geographically, Kazakhstan’s northern and eastern regions provide most emigrants. 47.9% of emigrants in 2024 came from the Kostanay, Pavlodar, Abai, North Kazakhstan, and East Kazakhstan regions.
As for destination, Russia continues to be the leader, receiving 69% of all Kazakhstani emigrants. Nevertheless, that number is decreasing dramatically: in Q1 2025, only 644 citizens moved to Russia, 75.5% less compared to the same period in 2024.
Germany occupies the second place with approximately 2,000 Kazakhstani citizens relocated there in 2024, but this number has also declined by 67.9%. Emigration to all traditional destinations has decreased generally, except for Kyrgyzstan. Gradually more people (about 300 annually) emigrate there, particularly from Kazakhstan’s southern regions.
According to the United Nations Population Fund, Kazakhstan’s economic development, increased labor demand, and the diminishing pool of ethnic migrants have caused a decline in emigration.
Another factor contributing to a new influx of migrants into Kazakhstan is population growth in southern Central Asian republics.
According to a 2024 public opinion survey conducted by the Demoscope Express Monitoring Bureau, among the 1,100 respondents, 78.5% said they had no plans to emigrate within the next two to three years. Just 6.9% wanted to emigrate, and 5.6% would like to emigrate but couldn’t do that.
The desire for higher income (24.5%), better employment opportunities (14%), and a perceived lack of prospects within Kazakhstan (23.9%) were the most common reasons for emigration. Studying abroad (11.7%), family reunification (2.6%), and returning to ancestral homelands (0.6%) were other motivations.
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