Kazakhstan moves migration policy into economic competition

By AI, Created 2:25 PM UTC, May 25, 2026, /AGP/ – Kazakhstan is preparing a major migration policy overhaul aimed at attracting investors, entrepreneurs, skilled workers and long-term capital, not just managing foreign arrivals. The shift, outlined in a April 25, 2026 presidential decree, could help position the country as a broader regional hub for investment, production and innovation.

Why it matters: - Kazakhstan is trying to use migration policy as an economic tool, not just a border-control system. - The shift is meant to attract people who can add value to the economy, including entrepreneurs, technology teams, scientists and highly qualified specialists. - If the policy works, Kazakhstan could strengthen its role as a regional hub between Europe and Asia.

What happened: - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree on April 25, 2026 that sets a new direction for Kazakhstan’s migration policy. - Alona Lebedieva, owner of the Ukrainian industrial and investment group Aurum Group, said the decree signals a move away from permits, quotas and restrictions. - Kazakhstan is preparing new incentives aimed at investors, entrepreneurs, skilled workers, managers and professionals tied to investment projects.

The details: - The planned model focuses on attracting external resources beyond raw-material investment. - The Altyn Visa, or Golden Visa, is expected to become one of the key tools in the new approach. - The visa is intended for people who want to link long-term business or professional plans with Kazakhstan. - Kazakhstan already has an investor visa for foreigners who invest at least USD 300,000 in the authorized capital of Kazakhstani companies or in local securities. - That investor visa can open a path to long-term residence. - The policy also points to faster digital procedures, simpler visa rules, quicker access to public services and a clearer path to long-term stay. - Kazakhstan’s broader goal is to attract engineers, technologists, financiers, entrepreneurs, digital specialists and international-level managers.

Between the lines: - Lebedieva framed the change as part of a wider Eurasian competition for talent, capital and know-how. - Her view is that countries now compete not only on taxes, but also on predictability, service quality and how well the state works for foreign residents and investors. - Kazakhstan’s resource base and geography give it an advantage, but the country is also trying to move beyond oil, metals, transit and large state projects. - The policy shift reflects an effort to move from controlling foreign labor to selecting and retaining people who can help grow the economy.

What’s next: - Kazakhstan will need to turn the decree into working rules for visas, residency and public services. - The impact will depend on whether the new incentives are applied consistently and quickly. - If implementation matches the policy message, Kazakhstan could become a stronger destination for investment, production and innovation.