Nearly 6,800 Ethnic Kazakhs Granted Kandas Status in First Half of 2025
In the first six months of 2025, 6,755 ethnic Kazakhs were officially recognized as kandas, marking their return to their ancestral homeland. Since 1991, Kazakhstan has welcomed over 1.15 million ethnic Kazakhs, according to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.
Most of this year’s arrivals came from China (45.1%) and Uzbekistan (41.7%), with others arriving from Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Russia, and other countries.
As of July 1, 59.8% of newcomers are of working age, and 16% hold higher education degrees. Around 27% have vocational training, while more than half possess general secondary education.
To support balanced regional development, eight regions facing labour shortages have been prioritized for relocation: Akmola, Abai, Kostanay, Pavlodar, Atyrau, West Kazakhstan, East Kazakhstan, and North Kazakhstan.
A quota of 2,309 kandas was set for 2025, with 1,092 individuals already resettled. Relocating families are eligible for financial support, including a one-time payment of 70 MCI (approx. 275,000 KZT) and monthly housing subsidies ranging from 15 to 30 MCI for up to one year.
