KUALA LUMPUR - Kazakhstan recorded 2,600 permanent migrants from China in 2025, marking a sharp increase in arrivals.

The figure represents a 29 per cent rise year-on-year and the highest level recorded in the past eight years, according to The Caspian Post citing Kazakh media.

The latest trend reflects a continued rebound in migration, following a steep drop to just 249 arrivals in 2021.

Despite the recent surge, current figures remain well below historical peaks seen in the mid-2000s.

In 2008, Kazakhstan received around 6,300 migrants from China, more than double the present number.

Analysts said ethnic Kazakhs accounted for nearly all arrivals from China in 2025, making up about 99 per cent of the total.

Most migrants settled in Almaty and surrounding areas, including Almaty Region and Zhetysu Region.

Astana emerged as another key destination, attracting roughly a quarter of the new arrivals.

Experts noted that many migrants may be opting out of applying for official “kandas” status.

The designation is given to ethnic Kazakhs returning to their historical homeland but requires them to reside in specific regions across northern, eastern, and western Kazakhstan.

In total, Kazakhstan registered 23,800 permanent residents in 2025.

Uzbekistan remained the largest source of migrants with 11,800 arrivals, followed by Russia with 4,700.

While arrivals from Uzbekistan declined slightly, migration from Russia fell significantly by 41 per cent.