Abstract
Purpose of the research to assess the extent to which internal youth migration affects the socio-economic development of Kazakhstan’s regions and to identify strategic directions for improving the effectiveness of youth policy at the local level in the context of ensuring balanced territorial development. Methodology the study employs comparative analysis, descriptive statistics, and content analysis of official statistical sources. This approach makes it possible to identify persistent patterns in youth migration behavior, reveal territorial disparities and assess the impact of migration flows on key parameters of regional development. Originality/value of the research the study provides a comprehensive assessment of internal youth migration processes as a key factor shaping the transformation of regional economies. The findings reveal an increasing imbalance in the territorial distribution of labor resources, accompanied by widening socio-economic disparities between migrant sending and migrant receiving regions. Recipient cities face growing pressure on social infrastructure, including education, healthcare, and housing, while donor regions experience a loss of human capital and innovation potential, thereby limiting their opportunities for sustainable development. Findings the results highlight the need to align youth and migration policies with territorial and infrastructure planning instruments. Such coordination is essential for preventing infrastructure overload in major cities, improving the management of migration flows, and promoting sustainable and balanced spatial development at the national level.