Send message to Author

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 integration 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 Kazakhstan’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 agencies, 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 development in Kazakhstan.