MIGRATION TRENDS IN KAZAKHSTAN: EXPLORING MIGRATION CAUSES AND FACTORS

Abstract

The article examines the issues of emigration of the population of Kazakhstan, the reasons and factors influencing the decision of citizens to leave the country. The analysis was based on the fall 2018 sociological poll results, which comprised responses from 3,215 Kazakhstani citizens and in-depth interviews with 143 experts in different civil service, science, education, and economics branches. The results thus obtained showed that labor migration predominated: people were driven by the desire to earn more, to realize their professional potential, to receive better education and professional training. We have also discovered that the low quality of education and lack of favorable conditions for the development of the younger generation are the two other causes of the outflow of Kazakhstanis from their homeland. The state is not doing enough to persuade young specialists and scientists to remain in the country, which explains the gradual increase of intellectual migration and brain-drain. The results brought us to a conclusion that certain political factors, including poorly protected legitimate rights, corruption and certain related reasons, are fairly important for those determined to leave. Many of those who are ready to leave, the older generation in particular, are kept back by family and friendly ties and the habitual life style.