LEGAL LOW-SKILLED LABOR MIGRATION FROM KYRGYZSTAN TO KAZAKHSTAN: DID THE EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Abstract

The EEU policies simplified the procedure to obtain legal labor status for labor migrants from the member states. However, Kyrgyz workers in Kazakhstan are not able to enjoy these benefits. This thesis analyzes the EEU and Kazakhstani legislation regarding labor migration as well as opinions and experiences of Kyrgyz workers, experts, and officials. It is aimed to explain what factors hinder a positive effect of the EEU policies on legal low-skilled labor migration from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan.