Migration in the border region of Russia and Kazakhstan: Practical considerations

Abstract

Subject. The article discusses the specifics of migration processes in the border region of Russia and Kazakhstan. Objectives. I analyze practical aspects of migration in the border region of Russia and Kazakhstan and review what can be done to maintain the socio-economic stability and retain human capital in border regions of the Russian Federation. Methods. The study is based on methods of analysis, systematization, comparison and matching. Results. I point out the specifics of the Russian constituent entities that lie on the border with Kazakhstan. I indicate distinctions of outbound and inbound migration processes in the analyzable areas. The article presents the analysis of the migration growth in the Russian regions bordering on the Kazakh areas, monitoring of incoming and outgoing migrants along directions of their movement. The article illustrates the composition of migrants who arrive in and leave the Russian regions bordering on Kazakhstan. The article enlists what can be done to maintain the socio-economic stability and retain human capital in the border regions of respective constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Conclusions and Relevance. Most regions bordering on Kazakhstan see a negative migration growth and considerable numbers of cross-border migrants. There are also significant cross-regional movements in the regions. To maintain the socio-economic stability in the border regions as part of the national policy, the national structure of migration should be taken into consideration. The government should urgently take efforts to set up a versatile model that would help immigrants undergo the social adaptation and integrate into the Russian society.