This study aims to examine migration dynamics and the socioeconomic factors influencing migration in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. In Kyrgyzstan, internal migration from rural areas to cities is prevalent, while in Kazakhstan, the ongoing war has led to an increase in Russian migrants. Uzbekistan, on the other hand, has experienced a decline in external labor migration in recent years. The research analyzes migration policies, including Kyrgyzstan’s 2021–2030 migration policy concept, Kazakhstan’s 2023–2027 migration policy concept, and Uzbekistan’s 2030 strategy. The study recommends improving socioeconomic conditions, enhancing infrastructure, and reducing bureaucratic barriers to address migration challenges and human trafficking risks.
Keywords: labor migration, internal mobility, migration policy, labor markets, social protection

This study aims to examine migration dynamics and the socioeconomic factors influencing migration in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. In Kyrgyzstan, internal migration from rural areas to cities is prevalent, while in Kazakhstan, the ongoing war has led to an increase in Russian migrants. Uzbekistan, on the other hand, has experienced a decline in external labor migration in recent years. The research analyzes migration policies, including Kyrgyzstan’s 2021–2030 migration policy concept, Kazakhstan’s 2023–2027 migration policy concept, and Uzbekistan’s 2030 strategy. The study recommends improving socioeconomic conditions, enhancing infrastructure, and reducing bureaucratic barriers to address migration challenges and human trafficking risks.
Keywords: labor migration, internal mobility, migration policy, labor markets, social protection

Using a mixed-methods approach, the study examines the impact of labor migration on infrastructure development in Central Asia, revealing that remittances from labor migration have played a significant role in Central Asia’s socioeconomic development. Migrant workers’ money transfers account for a substantial share of the gross domestic product. However, the distribution of these transfers has been uneven, with the majority allocated to housing construction. The study also highlights that regions with higher levels of out-migration have experienced better housing and urban development, while rural areas continue to face neglect in infrastructure development.
Keywords: demographic challenges, remittances, employment, infrastructure projects, regional strategy, socioeconomic development

Using a mixed-methods approach, the study examines the impact of labor migration on infrastructure development in Central Asia, revealing that remittances from labor migration have played a significant role in Central Asia’s socioeconomic development. Migrant workers’ money transfers account for a substantial share of the gross domestic product. However, the distribution of these transfers has been uneven, with the majority allocated to housing construction. The study also highlights that regions with higher levels of out-migration have experienced better housing and urban development, while rural areas continue to face neglect in infrastructure development.
Keywords: demographic challenges, remittances, employment, infrastructure projects, regional strategy, socioeconomic development

This study analyzes how migration and other factors affect employment and unemployment in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan using statistical methods and finds that economic and educational opportunities attract migrants, thereby increasing labor market competition. In Kazakhstan, unemployment is influenced by new arrivals and higher education graduates (positive) and by GDP per capita (negative); employment is influenced by R&D spending and GDP (positive), as well as by new arrivals (negative). In Kyrgyzstan, higher education graduates reduce unemployment, while arrivals and graduates of secondary vocational institutions boost employment. Migration negatively affects employment in Kazakhstan and positively affects it in Kyrgyzstan, informing future migration policy decisions.
Keywords: unemployment, employment, emigrants, immigrants, education, natural population growth

This study analyzes how migration and other factors affect employment and unemployment in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan using statistical methods and finds that economic and educational opportunities attract migrants, thereby increasing labor market competition. In Kazakhstan, unemployment is influenced by new arrivals and higher education graduates (positive) and by GDP per capita (negative); employment is influenced by R&D spending and GDP (positive), as well as by new arrivals (negative). In Kyrgyzstan, higher education graduates reduce unemployment, while arrivals and graduates of secondary vocational institutions boost employment. Migration negatively affects employment in Kazakhstan and positively affects it in Kyrgyzstan, informing future migration policy decisions.
Keywords: unemployment, employment, emigrants, immigrants, education, natural population growth

This study analyzes the transformation of migration routes and volumes through transit states and the resulting challenges for international policy amid armed conflicts. A comparative analysis of cases in the Mediterranean, Middle East, Latin America, and Europe reveals rising pressure on transit infrastructures, tighter border controls, and more displaced persons. Conflicts in Syria, Libya, and Central America redirect migration movements and fuel irregular migration, while Russia’s war against Ukraine created Europe’s largest crisis since World War II. Findings show that migration has become both a humanitarian and political issue, requiring comprehensive, internationally coordinated policies and adaptive transit mechanisms.
Keywords: migration policy, migrant transit, global security, refugees and displaced persons, international cooperation, border control

This study analyzes the transformation of migration routes and volumes through transit states and the resulting challenges for international policy amid armed conflicts. A comparative analysis of cases in the Mediterranean, Middle East, Latin America, and Europe reveals rising pressure on transit infrastructures, tighter border controls, and more displaced persons. Conflicts in Syria, Libya, and Central America redirect migration movements and fuel irregular migration, while Russia’s war against Ukraine created Europe’s largest crisis since World War II. Findings show that migration has become both a humanitarian and political issue, requiring comprehensive, internationally coordinated policies and adaptive transit mechanisms.
Keywords: migration policy, migrant transit, global security, refugees and displaced persons, international cooperation, border control

This thematic section underscores the need for holistic migration governance that recognizes the multidimensional realities of mobility in Central Asia. The countries of Central Asia can better capture the opportunities offered by migration while reducing its risks by strengthening the legal framework, promoting sustainable development, improving education and social support systems, and fostering regional cooperation. The studies included offer valuable pathways for future research and policy development, contributing to ongoing scholarly and practical efforts to understand and manage migration in a rapidly changing world.

This thematic section underscores the need for holistic migration governance that recognizes the multidimensional realities of mobility in Central Asia. The countries of Central Asia can better capture the opportunities offered by migration while reducing its risks by strengthening the legal framework, promoting sustainable development, improving education and social support systems, and fostering regional cooperation. The studies included offer valuable pathways for future research and policy development, contributing to ongoing scholarly and practical efforts to understand and manage migration in a rapidly changing world.