Positive impact on production if a qualified external specialist comes to the site

One of the many roles of a scholar-teacher is to provide expert analysis. Therefore, any pressing issue in society, particularly political, social, or economic challenges, does not escape the attention of the experts at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. They closely monitor internal and external developments and use research and analytical work in their scientific investigations and lectures. One such scholar-expert is Dr. Mansiya Sadyrova, Professor at the Department of Sociology and Social Work, who responded to questions from the Qazaq Universitetі newspaper.

– Mansiya Sapargaliqyzy, one of the pressing issues in society is internal and external migration. In your opinion, does migration negatively affect infrastructure development?

– Domestic migration is caused by several factors. First, uneven regional development and differences in income and opportunities for progress across regions play a role. Regarding the socio-economic situation of our country, people from rural areas move to large cities due to limited opportunities and low wages. Cities such as Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent are the main destinations for internal migrants because social and economic sectors are more developed there. Starting a business in a city is generally easier and faster than in a village.

We can categorize young people moving from villages to cities or from one city to another into three groups: those who adapt successfully to city life; those who fall into criminal paths; and those who cannot cope with the fast pace of urban life and return home.

For example, in Kazakhstan in 2020, internal migration and urbanization levels declined, partly due to the pandemic. According to the Strategic Planning and Reform Agency and the National Statistics Bureau, in 2020 the number of Kazakhs moving from one region to another decreased by 20%. Within the same region, the number of people changing their residence decreased by 26%.

Of those who migrated from other regions, over half (52%) settled in Almaty (72.7 thousand), Astana (66.5 thousand), and Shymkent (39.4 thousand). Migration to these megacities decreased by 12–22% in 2020, with the largest decline in Astana (22%). Other regions experienced negative migration balances, meaning more people left than arrived. Most internal migrants come from southern regions; in 2020, 167 thousand people left Turkistan, Zhambyl, Kyzylorda, and Almaty regions, as well as Shymkent, accounting for 49% of the country’s total movers.

Internal, regional migration is larger in scale. Last year, 501.6 thousand people changed their residence within the same region, 26% fewer than in 2019. Even when moving within a region, people usually relocate to urban centers, reflecting an urbanization trend. For example, between January and November 2020, Turkistan region had 14.8 thousand people leave, but with a natural population increase of 38.6 thousand, the total population grew to 2.028 million.

The government’s 2013 Employment 2020 program aims to relocate labor-capable families from densely populated regions to areas with labor shortages. As a result, migration from south to north is increasing. Interregional job fairs for the unemployed in Maktaaral and Saryagash, attended by delegations from Kostanay, Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan, and East Kazakhstan regions, are part of this initiative.

Research indicates a population imbalance: 38% of the population resides in southern regions, while only 17% live in northern areas. If this trend continues, by 2050 the southern population will reach 5.2 million, four times higher than the north.

Migration impacts infrastructure, primarily by changing the social structure of regions. Population growth creates challenges such as traffic congestion, housing shortages, and increased demand for schools and healthcare. Employment competition rises, affecting the labor market.

– Due to unemployment, many young people move to Europe, Korea, and other countries. What challenges could this lead to?

– In recent years, over 100 thousand graduates have left Kazakhstan. Among them are talented youth, researchers, and ambitious new generations who could significantly contribute to the country’s development. The main reason is higher quality of life and education abroad. Moreover, studying abroad has become increasingly accessible. For example, higher education in Germany is free, and universities in other countries offer scholarships to foreign students.

Despite opportunities to study and gain experience in Kazakhstan, many still leave to improve their welfare through work abroad. This leads to population decline among youth and slower demographic growth. Often, these young people work below their qualifications and may need to re-educate or pass tests. Illegal migration can threaten their social security, leaving them vulnerable to forced labor or exploitation. Therefore, young people must carefully consider these risks before moving abroad.

– On the other hand, some specialists from Russia have recently come to Kazakhstan. How does foreign labor benefit the economy and society?

– Due to geopolitical instability, income levels have fallen, and prices have risen. Russian migrants have impacted the labor and housing rental markets. If skilled professionals from Russia settle in Kazakhstan, this is effectively an import of expertise, contributing to the development of new sectors, creating jobs, and paying taxes. It fosters competition and improves quality in goods and services. According to last year’s data, only 6,350 Russian citizens came primarily to seek work. While some may worry that foreign workers will take jobs, their presence can strengthen Kazakhstan’s economy if they bring expertise and investment.

– Thank you for your insights.

Interview conducted by
Gulzat Nurmoldaqyzy