Where Relocatees and Qandases Will Settle Most in 2025

The Ministry of Labor has determined the regional quota for qandases (ethnic Kazakhs who previously were not citizens of Kazakhstan, returned to their historical homeland – Ed.) and relocatees in 2025, Orda.kz reports.

According to the Ministry's order, most ethnic Kazakhs will be resettled in the Pavlodar Region (up to 1,056 people).

The numbers for other regions are considerably smaller:

• Aqmola Region - 285
• East Kazakhstan Region - 269
• Abay Region - 244
• North Kazakhstan Region - 175
• Kostanay Region - 150
• Atyrau Region - 100
• West Kazakhstan Region - 30

Regarding the voluntary resettlement program, the Pavlodar and North Kazakhstan Regions are prepared to accommodate nearly 3000 people.

However, the number of relocatees in the eastern and central regions is capped at 372.

“By order of the Minister, the regional quota for qandases and relocatees for 2025 was set at 9,653 people, which is 170 people more than last year,”  the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan clarified.

The department also reminded the public of the available state support, including relocation subsidies, housing and utility costs coverage, and assistance with finding employment.

In 2024, over 19,700 ethnic Kazakhs returned to their historical homeland. Currently, 1.148 million people hold the "Qandas" status.

Original Author: Alexandra Mokhireva