Research by the International Organization for Migration (IOM)



1. Analysis and Recommendations (Including Gender Aspects) Regarding Relevant Policies and Institutions for Engagement with the Diaspora in Kazakhstan

The analytical study “Analysis and Recommendations (Including Gender Aspects) Regarding Relevant Policies and Institutions for Engagement with the Diaspora in Kazakhstan” was carried out with the financial support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Development Fund (IDF).

The purpose of this research is to examine and analyze policies and institutions influencing the enhancement of the diaspora’s potential contribution to the country’s development abroad, and to develop recommendations for Kazakhstani public and non-governmental stakeholders in order to enable a greater contribution to the socio-economic development of the diaspora.

Based on a desk research method, the study includes a review of academic literature, as well as strategic and regulatory documents, websites of authorized government agencies, and public organizations operating in this field. The research consolidates analytical findings and recommendations shaping a strategic concept for a model of diaspora engagement.

© 2022 International Organization for Migration (IOM)
The opinions expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) or the Non-Profit Joint-Stock Company “Otandastar Qory” under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the IOM or Otandastar Qory concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Анализ и рекомендации (включая гендерный аспект) в отношении соответствующей политики и институтов для взаимодействия с диаспорой в Казахстане


2. Conducting Onomastic Analysis for Mapping the Kazakh Diaspora

The analytical study “Conducting Onomastic Analysis for Mapping the Kazakh Diaspora” was carried out with the financial support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Development Fund (IDF).

This study includes information collected between December 2021 and August 2022, based on quantitative (respondent surveys) and qualitative (expert interviews) methods. The purpose of the research is to identify the settlement patterns of the Kazakh diaspora in regions bordering Kazakhstan (Russian Federation) using various statistical data, surveys, and interviews.

The findings show that most of the interviewed Kazakhs living in the border areas of the Russian Federation have relatives and friends in Kazakhstan (border regions). The connection between Kazakhs in the two countries is very close. One of the key factors facilitating interaction between the two nations is the presence of 51 border crossing points.

© 2022 International Organization for Migration (IOM)
The opinions expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) or the Non-Profit Joint-Stock Company “Otandastar Qory” under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the IOM or Otandastar Qory concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Проведение ономастического анализа для картирования казахской диаспоры


3. Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan Support in Engagement with the Diaspora in the Russian Federation

The analytical study “Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan Support in Engagement with the Diaspora in the Russian Federation” was implemented with the financial support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Development Fund (IDF).

This study examines three groups of the Kazakhstani diaspora in the Russian Federation:

  1. ethnic Kazakhs residing in Russia, regardless of whether they have previously lived in Kazakhstan;

  2. citizens of the Russian Federation of non-Kazakh ethnicity who previously resided in Kazakhstan;

  3. citizens of Kazakhstan of Kazakh ethnicity temporarily residing in the Russian Federation.

The purpose of distinguishing these groups is to highlight the various potentials of the Kazakhstani diaspora in the Russian Federation (ethnic Kazakhs and associations of former compatriots in Russia), which may contribute to the socio-economic development of Kazakhstan. These groups differ in terms of material support provided to relatives and friends in Kazakhstan, as well as in the frequency and intensity of their short-term visits and their intentions to continue such visits in the future.

Furthermore, the study substantiates the need to identify the most effective engagement practices, develop a communication strategy, and ensure consistent cooperation with these groups on the part of the Government of Kazakhstan. It emphasizes that policymakers should take into account the diversity among the three groups of the Kazakhstani diaspora in Russia. Recognizing the varying potential of these groups is also useful for officials at both central and local levels who are responsible for managing Kazakhstan’s engagement with its diaspora in the Russian Federation.

© 2022 International Organization for Migration (IOM)
The opinions expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) or the Non-Profit Joint-Stock Company “Otandastar Qory” under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the IOM or Otandastar Qory concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Поддержка правительства Республики Казахстан в работе с диаспорой в Российской Федерации