Sociologists of Platform Center conducted a survey among residents of Central Asian countries about their attitude towards Russian relocants. The researchers found out that the inhabitants of the region are ready to help people who came from Russia and are generally neutral towards them.
More than 50 percent of respondents in Kazakhstan believe that the relocants will not have a noticeable impact on their lives. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the country, more than 200,000 Russian citizens have entered Kazakhstan, and 147,000 of them have already left.
Respondents from Tajikistan (55 percent) and Kyrgyzstan (42 percent) are glad at the arrival of highly qualified specialists, increased demand for services and earning opportunities for local residents.
The survey participants in Uzbekistan indicated that they welcome the arrival of specialists (46 percent), but only 23 percent of respondents believe that this will affect the production effectiveness of their country.
At least 66 percent of Tajik respondents believe that Russian migrants should be helped with learning the language, finding legal work, and cultural adaptation.
Approximately half of the respondents in Central Asia believe that the relocants will not stay there and will go to other countries or return back.
The countries of Central Asia are a popular destination for Russians for several reasons: visa-free entry, low cost of living, and the prevalence of the Russian language.
