China and Mongolia accounted for the vast majority of arrivals from non-CIS countries to Astana, Kazakhstan during the first quarter of 2026, underscoring the growing role of regional economic and educational ties in shaping migration trends.

According to official data, 394 people from countries outside the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) moved to Kazakhstan’s capital between January and March 2026. Of those, 313 were citizens of China and 42 were citizens of Mongolia, The Caspian Post reports via Tr.kz.

Together, the two countries represented nearly 90% of all migration to Astana from the wider international community during the period.

The figures highlight Astana’s increasing attractiveness as a destination for business, education, and employment opportunities. Migration from China, in particular, has shown sustained growth in recent years.

For comparison, 537 Chinese citizens relocated to Astana in 2024, while arrivals from Mongolia reached 342. Other countries contributed significantly smaller numbers, including 25 arrivals from the US, 36 from Germany, and 10 from South Korea.

Migration processes are closely linked to socio-economic factors such as trade expansion, educational exchanges, labor mobility, and growing international cooperation.

Astana has maintained a positive migration balance with China for several years. The net migration figure stood at 201 people in 2020 and increased to 614 by 2025.