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30 Jun 2025

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Emigration from Kazakhstan Drops to Lowest Level in a Decade

June 30, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Kazakhstan is witnessing a significant decline in emigration, reaching its lowest level in more than ten years, according to a study by analysts at Ranking.kz. The analysis, based on data from the National Statistics Bureau (NSB) of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan (ASPiR RK), highlights shifting demographic and economic patterns within the country.

Statistical Overview and Long-Term Trends

In the first four months of 2025, just 1,700 individuals left Kazakhstan for permanent residence abroad, a figure 2.8 times lower than the same period in 2024, when 4,800 people emigrated. Immigration also declined slightly, with 8,100 people entering Kazakhstan between January and April 2025, compared to 9,900 the previous year. Despite this, the migration balance remains positive, with more people arriving than leaving.

A longer-term view underscores a consistent downward trend. In 2000, some 155,700 people emigrated. By 2024, this figure had dropped to 12,700. Notable upticks occurred during periods of heightened outflow, specifically between 2006-2008 and 2013-2019. However, for the past two years, Kazakhstan has maintained a positive migration balance. In 2024, 23,900 people immigrated to the country, nearly double the number who left.

Key Destinations for Emigrants

Most emigrants originate from Kazakhstan’s northern and eastern regions. In 2024, 47.9% of those who left came from the Kostanay, Pavlodar, Abai, North Kazakhstan, and East Kazakhstan regions.

Russia continues to be the primary destination, receiving 69% of all Kazakhstani emigrants. However, that number is sharply down: from January to March 2025, only 644 citizens moved to Russia, a 75.5% decline compared to the same period in 2024.

Germany is the second most popular destination. In 2024, approximately 2,000 Kazakhstani citizens relocated there, but this too marked a significant decrease of 67.9%. Emigration to nearly all traditional destinations has declined, with the exception of Kyrgyzstan. While still relatively minor in scale (about 300 people annually), migration to Kyrgyzstan is gradually increasing, particularly from Kazakhstan’s southern regions.

Causes Behind the Decline

The United Nations Population Fund had previously forecast a drop in emigration, attributing it to Kazakhstan’s economic development, increased labor demand, and the diminishing pool of ethnic migrants.

Demographic shifts also play a role. Population growth in southern Central Asian republics is contributing to a new influx of migrants into Kazakhstan.

A 2024 public opinion survey conducted by the Demoscope Express Monitoring Bureau supports these trends. Among the 1,100 respondents, 78.5% said they had no plans to emigrate within the next two to three years. Only 6.9% expressed intent to leave, and 5.6% said they would like to emigrate but were currently unable to do so.

The most commonly cited reasons for emigration include the desire for higher income (24.5%), better employment opportunities (14%), and a perceived lack of prospects within Kazakhstan (23.9%). Other motivations include studying abroad (11.7%), family reunification (2.6%), and returning to ancestral homelands (0.6%).

30 Jun 2025

Home, Kazakhstan, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Business & Economy, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees

Silicon Steppes: Can Kazakhstan Become Eurasia’s Next Digital Nexus?

July 10, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

At this month’s Eurasian Economic Forum in Minsk, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged fellow Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) leaders to reorient toward the future. “Digitalization and artificial intelligence… should become an absolute priority of the EAEU,” he told the plenary session, warning that “we are already living in the era of AI.” Tokayev cited forecasts that AI could contribute $15 trillion to global GDP and displace 300 million jobs by 2030, arguing the EAEU bloc has a “historic opportunity” to act now. “It is important to use this window of opportunity in a timely manner… to strengthen our role in the emerging digital world order,” he stated. “A small group of countries will emerge as leaders in this field… others may be left behind. The EAEU must lead — or, at the very least, avoid lagging behind.”

Tokayev’s remarks capped a speech outlining Kazakhstan’s sweeping digital agenda, which includes a national supercomputer, a high-profile artificial intelligence hub, and a “CryptoCity” pilot zone. These efforts signal not only a pivot away from extractive industries but a push to establish Kazakhstan as the heart of Central Asia’s digital and data infrastructure.

Once seen as an economic hindrance, Kazakhstan’s landlocked geography is now being leveraged as a potential asset. A 3,700 km West–East Fiber-Optic Highway is under construction, connecting China’s Xinjiang province to the Caspian Sea. The project, expected to be completed in 2026, aims to provide a secure, high-speed terrestrial route for global data flows between Europe and East Asia. By pairing this with expanded redundancy and data center capacity, Kazakhstan hopes to serve as a neutral, cost-effective host for hyperscale data centers supporting global cloud providers and sovereign clients alike.

With abundant energy, political stability, and growing fiber capacity, officials argue Kazakhstan can reduce regional dependence on submarine cables routed through politically sensitive chokepoints.

Kazakhstan’s infrastructure investments are central to Tokayev’s vision. In Astana, the futuristic Nur Alem sphere — originally built to host the 2017 World Expo — is being converted into Alem.AI, an international artificial intelligence center focused on education, research, and applied technology. The facility will host labs, training academies, and co-working space for startups, to produce 10,000 AI specialists per year and generate $5 billion in AI-driven exports by 2029.

Complementing this is the new national AI supercomputer, developed in partnership with UAE-based Presight AI. Launched in May 2025, the system is rated at up to 2 exaflops, powered by NVIDIA H200 chips, and installed within a Tier III-certified data center. Government officials say it will be used for machine learning, scientific modeling, LLM development, and cybersecurity testing, and will eventually be made available to Kazakh universities and private sector firms.

Meanwhile, the CryptoCity pilot zone near Alatau will allow the regulated use of cryptocurrencies in daily life, from shopping to property purchases, within a restricted environment. It is being developed under the supervision of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development and Samruk-Kazyna, the country’s sovereign wealth fund. Though crypto transactions currently remain largely banned in the country, officials say the sandbox could pave the way for national reforms.

Of the Central Asian countries, Kazakhstan is the furthest along in transforming its digital economy. Uzbekistan is also moving fast, with 10,000 registered IT firms and major progress on digital exports, but Kazakhstan still leads the way in AI readiness rankings, cloud infrastructure, and the development of e-governance.

The Astana Hub, the country’s tech free zone, now hosts over 1,600 companies, including startups, accelerators, and multinationals such as TikTok and Telegram. The technology park offers tax breaks, streamlined visas, and legal arbitration in English common law. The government has modeled aspects of its ecosystem on Singapore and the UAE, and is actively working with investors from both nations to build out cloud, connectivity, and AI capacity.

Kazakhstan’s challenges — many of which Tokayev has publicly acknowledged — remain very real. Talent shortages are widespread, with over 70% of Kazakh companies reporting that they have struggled to hire qualified IT professionals. In response, the government launched a plan to train a million citizens in AI and digital skills by 2029, while also scaling up specialist academies like TUMO and Tomorrow School, and offering a Digital Nomad Visa for foreign tech workers.

Cybersecurity, too, is a growing concern. More than 30,000 cyberattacks were registered in just the first five months of 2025, double the number from the same period in the previous year. A major data breach in late 2024 highlighted vulnerabilities in government systems. In response, Kazakhstan’s National Security Committee and Ministry of Digital Development are working on a national cybersecurity strategy, while reinforcing defense capabilities with support from UAE and Israeli consultants.

Perhaps most significant for foreign investors is Kazakhstan’s incomplete regulatory environment. Core legislation on AI ethics, data protection, and digital assets remains under review. CryptoCity, in fact, exists because national laws do not yet allow crypto to be used for real-world payments. Tokayev has formed a National AI Development Council to fast-track legal reforms and has committed to finalizing a digital law package by the end of 2025.

Kazakhstan’s digital leap comes as companies across the globe are reevaluating where to build and host infrastructure. Cost pressures in North America, regulatory headwinds in Europe, and geopolitical sensitivities in East Asia are pushing tech firms to look for alternatives. If Kazakhstan can deliver on bandwidth, regulation, security, and talent, it may become more than just a case study in digital ambition. It could be a new high-tech junction on the global tech map. By transforming infrastructure into opportunity and vision into governance, it has a chance to turn its Eurasian geography into strategic leverage for the digital age.

30 Jun 2025

Home, Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan

Almaty to Issyk-Kul Flights Open Scenic Cross-Border Gateway

June 30, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Regular passenger flights now link Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, to Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan’s premier tourist destination. The new air service was launched by Kyrgyzstan’s Asman Airlines on June 27, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport. The airline will operate two weekly flights, on Mondays and Fridays, between Almaty and Tamchy airport, located on the lake’s northern shore. Kazakhstan’s low-cost carrier Fly Arystan is also set to launch direct flights between Almaty and Issyk-Kul, beginning July 3. These flights will run twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays.

Lake Issyk-Kul remains a favored summer destination for tourists across the region, particularly among Almaty residents seeking weekend getaways. The new air routes are expected to improve access for travelers from southern Kazakhstan, significantly reducing travel time and simplifying logistics during the peak tourist season.

The Asman Airlines flight between Almaty and Issyk-Kul takes approximately one hour and 20 minutes. Previously, travelers had to drive over 460 kilometers via Bishkek, a journey that typically took about eight hours. Efforts to shorten this overland route continue.

The Times of Central Asia recently reported on the advancement of a long-discussed highway project aimed at directly linking Almaty to Issyk-Kul. Although the two locations are only 80 kilometers apart in a straight line, mountain ranges force travelers to detour through the Kyrgyz capital.

The lake has also become more accessible to tourists from Uzbekistan. On June 22, Uzbek budget airline Fly Khiva launched regular flights from Tashkent to Tamchy. These flights will operate every Sunday through August 10, 2025.

30 Jun 2025

Home, Justice, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Features, Uzbekistan Justice, Features

Uzbekistan Extends Sentences for Religious Prisoners Amid Longstanding Security Fears

June 30, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

Two Muslim prisoners of conscience in Uzbekistan — both previously jailed for nonviolent religious activity — have had their sentences extended in recent months under charges that human rights observers describe as vague and politically motivated. While the cases have drawn criticism from international monitors, they also highlight the Uzbek government’s enduring fears over political Islam, concerns shaped by geography, history, and national security calculations.

Tulkun Astanov, a 54-year-old activist originally imprisoned in 2020 for defending the rights of fellow Muslims, was sentenced to an additional three years and two months in a strict-regime labor camp this May. Authorities accused him of refusing to attend morning exercises in prison and of disobeying lawful orders. Astanov, who has suffered multiple strokes in custody, submitted a written request to be excused from physical activity on medical grounds — documentation which was reportedly dismissed by prison officials. His family and legal counsel contend the new case was fabricated to prevent his scheduled release later this year. The U.S. State Department has documented repeated concerns about his treatment in its 2022 International Religious Freedom Report.

A second prisoner, Fariduddin Abduvokhidov, 30, was arrested in 2020 after participating in private Islamic study circles. He was originally given an 11-year sentence, but earlier this year, his term was extended twice: by ten years in March and an additional year in April. According to his family, the new charges relate to alleged “religious propaganda” while in detention. They say he was not fully informed of the basis of the charges and declined to appeal, citing emotional fatigue and lack of faith in the process.

International monitors, including Human Rights Watch, have raised alarm about Uzbekistan’s use of vague extremism provisions to prosecute peaceful religious expression. Trials are often held behind closed doors, with little transparency or legal recourse for defendants. In both cases, court documents have not been made available to families or the public.

Uzbekistan shares a 144-kilometer border with Afghanistan, where groups like the Taliban and ISIS-K remain active. During the 1990s and early 2000s, Uzbekistan suffered violent attacks from the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), a jihadist group aligned with the Taliban and later al-Qaeda. Those experiences left a lasting impact on both policymakers and public opinion, contributing to an enduring suspicion of independent Islamic activism.

Several OECD democracies, including France, Belgium, and Austria, have enacted bans on face coverings in public. While controversial, those policies were introduced through public debate and are subject to judicial review. In Uzbekistan, by contrast, the lack of independent courts, competitive elections, and free media means that state regulation of religion is rarely subject to institutional checks.

Uzbekistan has made real progress in other aspects of governance. Since independence in 1991, the country has implemented reforms in public administration, economic policy, and digital infrastructure, and it is currently pursuing accession to the World Trade Organization. Engagement with the OECD and OSCE has also deepened.

For many observers, Uzbekistan’s evolution will be gradual, and should be allowed to proceed on its own terms. But the continued imprisonment of individuals like Astanov and Abduvokhidov underscores the lingering tension between state security and personal freedom. The question ahead is not whether Uzbekistan should protect itself from extremism, but whether it can do so while embracing the pluralism that defines a more open society.

At the same time, lasting democratic development will require not only rights and representation but also the consistent application of law and order. For Uzbekistan, the task is to build a system where security and justice reinforce — not undermine — each other.

30 Jun 2025

Home, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Features, Local Politics, Uzbekistan Local Politics

Dynastic Politics Take Shape in Uzbekistan

June 30, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

More than a week after President Shavkat Mirziyoyev restructured Uzbekistan’s presidential administration — formally elevating his daughter, Saida Mirziyoyeva, to one of the most powerful posts in the country — the political ramifications are still unfolding. The move, which reintroduced the post of Head of the Presidential Administration and placed it in family hands, has drawn both domestic scrutiny and international attention for what it signals: the clearest step yet toward dynastic succession in post-Soviet Central Asia.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reinstated the position of Head of the Presidential Administration through a presidential decree. The office had previously been abolished in August 2023, but her appointment formalizes what had become an influential de facto position.

Since 2019, Saida Mirziyoyeva has steadily risen through the ranks of Uzbekistan’s political system, from deputy director of the Agency for Information and Mass Communications to head of the Information Policy sector, and most recently, First Assistant to the President.

Her meeting with the Russian presidential administration in June 2025 is seen as a sign of international positioning, with Moscow reportedly signaling that it would not oppose a dynastic transition as long as its strategic interests remain intact.

Analysts have pointed out that this appointment cements Saida’s formal role, casting her status within the government apparatus in stone and making any reversal unlikely. While some see this as a move toward a dynastic handover, others argue she still faces competition from within the elite.

One such rival is Otabek Umarov, the president’s son-in-law, who holds a powerful position in the Security Service and is considered the ‘gray cardinal’ of Uzbek politics.

In a dramatic twist, Komil Allamjonov — former head of the Information Policy Department and a close ally of Saida — has returned as her advisor. He previously resigned in September 2024 amid a reported feud with Umarov and survived an assassination attempt in October 2024.

His return is seen by many as a sign of Umarov’s waning influence, though analysts caution that he still retains significant power in security structures. The rivalry could deepen internal fractures within the ruling elite, raising the risk of future instability.

30 Jun 2025

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Opinion: Mirziyoyev’s Historic Visit Opens New Era for Uzbekistan-Mongolia Ties

June 30, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev embarked on a historic journey to Mongolia on June 24-25, marking a significant milestone in the relationship between the two nations. This landmark visit, the first of its kind in over thirty years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, signifies a new era of collaboration and potential growth in Central Asia. Accompanied by his wife, Mirziyoyev was warmly received in Ulaanbaatar by Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg and a host of other dignitaries. Their arrival set the stage for discussions aimed at unlocking vast opportunities for multifaceted cooperation and development, reflecting a shared vision for a prosperous future.

Despite the significant geographical distance that separates Uzbekistan and Mongolia, the two nations are witnessing a remarkable evolution in their bilateral relations. This burgeoning partnership spans several domains, including diplomacy, economics, transportation, culture, and humanitarian efforts. A pivotal moment in this relationship was marked by the recent inauguration of the Mongolian Embassy in Tashkent, which symbolizes a commitment to fostering closer ties. Additionally, the increased frequency of intergovernmental and interparliamentary dialogue reflects a shared ambition to enhance collaboration. The signing of 14 bilateral agreements further underscores a mutual desire to cultivate trust and strengthen the partnership, paving the way for a promising future.

In recent years, the partnership between Uzbekistan and Mongolia has experienced a remarkable surge in trade and investment. This dynamic growth is underpinned by a robust and multifaceted cooperation that spans numerous sectors, showcasing the commitment of both nations to strengthening ties. Between 2018 and 2023, trade between Uzbekistan and Mongolia experienced a significant increase, rising by more than 8.8 times. This impressive upward trajectory has continued into the early months of 2025, with preliminary data indicating a sustained expansion.

Uzbekistan exports a variety of goods to Mongolia, including vital agricultural and industrial products, while Mongolia has ramped up its livestock exports, enriching the trading landscape. The establishment of numerous joint ventures exemplifies, with many ventures operating in Uzbekistan featuring 100% Mongolian capital, primarily in the realms of trade and services. Both nations are actively identifying and pursuing opportunities for collaborative projects in critical areas, including logistics, agro-processing, and machinery manufacturing. A particular emphasis is placed on joint production initiatives in sectors such as leather, wool, and cashmere processing, as well as the fabrication of electrical equipment, machinery, and construction materials.

Agricultural cooperation is also a key focus, with plans for joint clusters and projects aimed at the processing and production of meat, dairy, wool, and leather products. Enhancing transport interconnectivity and developing innovative logistics routes are prioritized, with a direct air service between the capitals anticipated to be in place by the end of the year. Cultural and humanitarian exchanges are being fostered through initiatives such as the Days of Uzbek Culture, which take place in Ulaanbaatar, and the return of Mongolian students to Uzbek universities.

The recent meeting between the President of Uzbekistan and the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, marked a significant step toward enhancing bilateral cooperation. Both leaders engaged in productive discussions aimed at strengthening the negotiation process. Mirziyoyev praised Mongolia’s noteworthy successes in implementing socio-economic reforms, highlighting how the country’s dedication to fostering a peace-loving foreign policy serves as a model for reliable cooperation.

Mongolia’s economy is currently experiencing remarkably high growth rates, a testament to its ongoing modernization efforts across key sectors, including industry, agriculture, and infrastructure. In particular, the large-scale reconstruction of the historic city of Karakorum is expected to make a substantial contribution to the nation’s development. As a result of its consistent, pragmatic, and dynamic international policy, Mongolia’s global standing is steadily rising.

During the discussions, the primary focus was on economic cooperation, with both leaders setting ambitious goals to significantly increase trade turnover in the coming years. This objective includes expanding the range and variety of products available for trade. A pivotal milestone towards achieving this is the establishment of the Uzbek Trading House, which will feature an exhibition hall in Ulaanbaatar, serving as a practical foundation for enhancing trade relations.

The successful organization of a Business Forum, alongside meetings held between Uzbek and Mongolian entrepreneurs before the visit, was highlighted positively. The leaders expressed satisfaction with the signing of new contracts and agreements and reinforced their commitment to fostering an environment that inspires entrepreneurship. Khurelsukh emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, agreeing that Uzbekistan and Mongolia are laying the groundwork for a comprehensive strategic partnership designed for mutual benefit and a positive-sum game. This burgeoning partnership is seen as having the potential not only to enhance bilateral relations but also to create new growth opportunities across the wider Central Asian region.

The leaders also agreed to promote cultural exchanges, planning joint concerts, exhibitions, film screenings, and participation in various festivals to deepen mutual understanding and friendship. In a demonstration of goodwill, Mirziyoyev expressed Uzbekistan’s eagerness to resume educational opportunities for Mongolian students at its leading universities. As part of their commitment to effective collaboration, both governments plan to adopt a comprehensive “roadmap” aimed at ensuring the timely execution of all mutually agreed-upon initiatives. In concluding his address, Mirziyoyev extended a warm invitation to Khurelsukh for an official visit, underscoring his desire to strengthen their partnership further.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the publication, its affiliates, or any other organizations mentioned.