Shifting Migration Dynamics: Central Asia as a New Destination for Russian Migrants in the Aftermath of the 2022 Ukraine Invasion

• In Event: Russian Migration to Central Asia and the Caucasus: Shifting Narratives

Abstract

The Russian migration into Central Asia in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine represents a new angle in which Central Asia is the place that receives Russian migration. As such, it offers a new perspective on mass migration motivations which, as described below, are predetermined not only by the political environment, and the personal norms and values that collide with the grand narrative in Russia but also significantly influenced by the economic and social motivations of relocating Russians. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to clarify the position of Central Asia for such immigrants as a new international migration destination, based on the narratives, motivations, and expectations of relocants/migrants from Russia and Belarus.

Author

• Timur Dadabaev, U of Tsukuba (Japan)