In the first ten months of 2026, 196 families, or 817 people, voluntarily relocated from the city of Shymkent to the northern and eastern regions of Kazakhstan. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
According to the city akimat, the majority of relocated families chose the North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar and East Kazakhstan regions.
Which regions did Shymkent residents move to?
Based on the figures for the first ten months of 2026:
- 01North Kazakhstan region – 81 families (375 people);
- 02Pavlodar region – 53 families (192 people);
- 03East Kazakhstan region – 33 families (121 people);
- 04Kostanay region – 16 families (62 people);
- 05Abai region – 7 families (37 people);
- 06Karaganda region – 3 families (16 people);
- 07Ulytau region – 3 families (14 people).
Of the 817 relocated people, 473 are children, 234 are able-bodied citizens, and 110 are engaged in housework.
What support was provided to kandas?
Shymkent also provides support to ethnic Kazakhs who have returned to their historical homeland. In January-February 2026, 68 families, or 142 people, received kandas status. The previously granted status of four more citizens was extended for six months.
Under the current procedure, kandas status is granted for five years on the condition of relocation to regions designated by the government. However, the city of Shymkent is not included in the list of regions receiving kandas.
Which regions can people move to?
The government has designated eight regions for voluntary relocation:
- 01North Kazakhstan region;
- 02Pavlodar region;
- 03Kostanay region;
- 04East Kazakhstan region;
- 05Akmola region;
- 06Karaganda region;
- 07Abai region;
- 08Ulytau region.
The main goal of the program is to attract population to regions experiencing a labor shortage, provide employment for relocated citizens, and effectively distribute the country's labor resources among regions.