State regulation of intellectual migration in Kazakhstan: an analysis in the context of sustainable development

M. M. Konarbayeva, Sh. M. Kantarbayeva

2025

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DOI 10.52821/2789-4401-2025-5-60-76
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

The purpose of the study - to analyze the state policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, including strategic programs aimed at addressing the challenges of intellectual migration and the outflow of human capital, with a particular focus on educational migration as a socio-cultural and economic foundation for sustainable development. Research methodology - is based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches: a content analysis of five key strategic documents covering the period from 27 to 223 was conducted, along with the analysis of official statistics from the Bureau of National Statistics of Kazakhstan, the International Organization for Migration, and the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. This allowed the study to trace the evolution of national policy in the field of intellectual migration and to assess its effectiveness. Originality / value of the study - The originality of the research lies in a comprehensive assessment of Kazakhstan’s state policy in terms of its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in identifying institutional reasons for the low efficiency of existing mechanisms for attracting, retaining, and reintegrating highly qualified specialists. Recommendations are proposed based on international best practices (China, India, South Korea) and adapted to the Kazakhstani context. Results of the study - The study demonstrates that approaches to state regulation of intellectual migration in Kazakhstan have evolved: from fragmented mentions in early strategic documents to a more systematic understanding of the issue in recent years. However, in practice, measures to attract and retain intellectual resources remain insufficiently developed due to the absence of a unified strategy integrating migration, education, and innovation policies, weak inter-agency coordination, and limited incentives for specialists to return. In conclusion, the paper formulates recommendations aimed at strengthening strategic measures and integrating intellectual migration policy into the broader context of sustainable development.