Abstract
International political crisis of 2022-2023 has changed the environment of interaction between Russia and Kyrgyzstan. The research questions of this article are the following: to what extent did this international crisis affect labor and educational migration between Russia and Kyrgyzstan? Did any new aspects emerge in this area as a result of the crisis, and to what extent might they become the mid- or long-term trends? Literature analysis covered the studies of leading Russian and foreign specialists. Since migration between Russia and Kyrgyzstan in 2022-2023 has not been covered in research literature yet, authors also relied on statistical data from national departments and international organizations including UNESCO, World Bank and IOM. Labor migration between Kyrgyzstan and Russia is traditionally encouraged by differences in population growth rates, wages and living standards. International crisis 2022-2023 reduced the interest of Kazakhstani and Kyrgyzstani citizens in Russian labor market, although to a lesser extent than other Central Asian states. Labor migration from Kyrgyzstan to Russia continued as remittances support many households in Kyrgyzstan. In addition, many Kyrgyz migrants settle in Russia due to personal connections; thus, it is difficult for them to redirect to other markets. The anti-immigrant rhetoric, which intensified in Russia in 2023, and the weakening of rouble may have unfavorable impact, but the potential for labor migration from Kyrgyzstan to Russia remains. A new phenomenon in 2022 was an increase of arrivals from Russia to Kyrgyzstan, but this is unlikely to be a long-term trend. Educational migration from Kyrgyzstan to Russia is supported by difference in higher education quality and the opportunity for Kyrgyz citizens to study for free. Enrollment to Russian universities from Kyrgyzstan increased in 2022, but fell in 2023, although to a lesser extent than from other Central Asian countries. In general, labor and educational migration from Kyrgyzstan to Russia in 2022-2023 remained an important part of the Eurasian migration system. They also continued to be influenced by previously established push and pull factors, as well as facilitated by numerous interstate and interpersonal connections, and the action of numerous interested intermediaries.
Published Version
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