Migration to Russia Drops

For the first time in 14 years, the number of migrants moving to Russia has significantly decreased, Orda.kz reports.

In 2024, only 31,700 people took advantage of Russia’s voluntary resettlement program for compatriots, marking the lowest figure since 2011. Overall numbers have dropped sharply.

In 2022, following the war in Ukraine and the mobilization announcement in Russia, 112,700 people applied for resettlement, and nearly 65,000 moved, Dvnovosti.ru writes, citing Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs.

According to the Russian authorities, the decline in migration is linked to introducing a mandatory Russian language exam for immigrants in 2024. Kazakhstan, Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine citizens are exempt from this requirement.

According to Data Hub, in 2023, 12,800 Kazakhstanis left the country for permanent residence abroad, a 20% decrease from the previous year and the lowest figure in Kazakhstan’s history of independence.

• Over 70% of emigrants relocated to Russia
• 16% chose Germany

Meanwhile, the number of people moving to Kazakhstan is increasing.

• Uzbekistan accounts for 40% of new arrivals
  
• Russia follows with 27%
  
• China makes up 7% of immigrants

The National Statistics Bureau recently noted that Kazakhstan’s population has grown for the second consecutive year, primarily due to migration inflows.

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina