Abstract
This article examines migration policy in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the legal framework for the adaptation of ethnic Kazakh returnees (kandas) . The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of legal regulation and institutional integra-tion mechanisms by analysing the gap between formal guarantees and their practical implementation . The research methodology combines legal analysis of national legislation, qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with returnees, and secondary analysis of academic and policy literature . The findings demonstrate that while Ka-zakhstan’s legal model formally provides extended social guarantees and simplified naturalisation procedures for returnees, a significant discrepancy persists between normative provisions and administrative practice . Key barriers include bureaucratic procedures for citizenship acquisition, institutional fragmentation among state agen-cies, document legalisation requirements, limited awareness of support measures, and insufficient effectiveness of adaptation centres . The study concludes that improving interagency coordination, enhancing information accessibility, and developing a comprehensive institutional integration model are essential for increasing policy effectiveness . The results may inform migration policy reforms and legislative devel-opment in Kazakhstan .