Kazakhstan’s Migrant Workforce: A Driving Force for Growth in Travel and Tourism

Published on October 22, 2025

Kazakhstan occupies a very meaningful space in the hearts of many Central Asian international migrants, as it has a considerably predictable sociocultural framework and is quite useful in economically profitable migrations. Simultaneously, the last migrations trends highlight a high share of workforce migrants which influence nearly every sphere of sociocultural and economic transactions in the country. Therefore, I will highlight the reasons migration trends influence sociocultural transactions, the changes they have caused in migration responses of the country, and their consequences in the travel and tourism sector.

Rising Numbers of Migrant Workers in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan now hosts over 550,000 international migrant workers, marking a significant 21,000 increase since January 2025. According to Serhan Aktoprak, the Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the latest Baseline Mobility Assessment shows that this increase represents a nearly 5% growth in under six months. The primary sources of migrant workers are neighboring countries such as Uzbekistan, Russia, and Tajikistan, with Uzbekistan contributing the largest share of 86% to the total migrant workforce.

This influx of workers has had a notable impact on various sectors in Kazakhstan, including construction, wholesale trade, and social services, where migrant labor plays a critical role in sustaining growth and development. However, while migration boosts the economy, it also influences travel patterns and the demand for tourism-related services in the region.

Migrant Workers and Tourism: An Unlikely Connection

Kazakhstan’s position as a prominent destination for migrant workers directly affects its tourism sector in several ways. For one, migrant workers, many of whom travel frequently between their home countries and Kazakhstan, contribute to the demand for transportation and hospitality services. According to the latest survey, 61% of migrant workers in Kazakhstan return to their home countries for visits within six months of arriving. This creates a consistent flow of cross-border travel, benefiting airlines, bus services, and other travel-related businesses.

Additionally, migrants often bring their families or acquaintances to visit, further driving up tourism numbers. As many migrant workers send money back home—an average of $363 per month—some of these funds are likely to support travel expenses for family members coming to Kazakhstan for temporary stays. This creates a multiplier effect in the local tourism economy, particularly in the cities of Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent, which are major hubs for both migrant labor and tourism.

Impact on Local Economy and Travel Infrastructure

Kazakhstan’s growing migrant population has stimulated demand for various services in key tourism destinations, especially in urban areas. With construction being the largest employer of migrant workers, there has been increased investment in infrastructure, including transportation, hotels, and leisure facilities. This development benefits both the migrant community and tourists, as the country works to accommodate the increasing number of both migrant workers and visitors.

The influx of international workers also fosters a cosmopolitan environment in the country’s major cities, adding diversity to the local culture. This cultural exchange can enhance the experience for tourists, who benefit from a broader range of international cuisines, events, and cultural offerings. For example, a growing number of restaurants, markets, and shops have opened to cater to the tastes and preferences of migrant workers, while also attracting tourists interested in exploring Kazakhstan’s evolving food and cultural scene.

Challenges for Migrants and Tourists: Employment and Social Services

Despite the economic opportunities provided by migration, migrant workers face significant challenges, particularly in terms of employment conditions. Many workers in Kazakhstan remain in precarious employment, with 44% of them reporting that their jobs do not contribute to their pensions, and 55% lack access to paid annual leave. These issues also extend to the broader travel industry, as many migrant workers are employed in lower-wage, labor-intensive sectors, such as tourism, where employment benefits are often minimal.

Tourism professionals may also face challenges in integrating migrant workers into the broader tourism economy, as the lack of formal contracts for some migrant workers (27% report working without contracts) could lead to instability in the labor force. This in turn may affect the quality of service provided to tourists. To address these issues, there is a growing call for policies that would offer better labor protections for migrant workers and better integration into the tourism sector.

Gender Disparities and the Impact on Tourism Jobs

While migration offers economic benefits, it is also clear that gender disparities exist within the labor market. Male migrant workers earn, on average, 17% more than their female counterparts, although this pay gap is smaller than in their home countries. This trend suggests that migration, while not fully eliminating inequality, can narrow gender-based pay disparities.

In the tourism sector, this may lead to more women seeking employment in jobs traditionally associated with the service industry, such as housekeeping, customer service, and food services. These gender-based trends are important for tourism businesses to recognize, as they may need to tailor training programs and work opportunities to address gender differences in earnings and employment benefits.

The Future of Migration and Tourism in Kazakhstan

Looking ahead, Kazakhstan’s migration dynamics are expected to continue shaping its tourism landscape. Aktoprak highlighted that the country’s political stability, vast resources, and leadership vision provide a strong foundation for attracting both migrant workers and tourists. The growth of migration presents Kazakhstan with an opportunity to further integrate migration management into its broader development goals, enhancing not just the labor market but also the tourism sector.

Kazakhstan’s relationship with its neighboring countries, especially within Central Asia, creates opportunities to expand migration pathways, providing economic benefits to both Kazakhstan and its neighbors. By establishing regular pathways for migration, Kazakhstan can further boost employment, remittances, and regional stability, all of which will contribute to the growth of tourism in the region.

As Kazakhstan continues to position itself as a gateway to Central Asia, the intersection of migration and tourism will play a crucial role in the country’s economic and cultural development. With thoughtful policies and forward-thinking leadership, Kazakhstan can harness the benefits of both sectors, ensuring sustainable growth for the future.

A Positive Outlook for Migration and Tourism

The global perspective on migration is frequently negative; however, this is not the case with Kazakhstan. Instead of treating migration as a problem, Kazakhstan concentrates on its advantages, particularly on the potential for sustainable economic development and growth in the tourism industry. With the increase of international migrant workers, Kazakhstan’s tourism industry will flourish and pave the way toward a more vibrant and prosperous future for the country.