Uncertainty, Insecurity, and Emigration from Kazakhstan to Russia

SummaryVast population movements have occurred within the (former) USSR as people return to countries of ethnic origin and seek employment. These varied motives are considered in an environment of economic recovery, with migration motivations including personal security, migration in search of higher expected earnings, and migration in search of less risky economic environments. We address these questions using a panel grouped data set on net migration between Kazakhstan and Russia during 1999–2007. Predominately Slavic regions do not have higher emigration rates, controlling for demographic and economic environment, but flight from earnings risk is detected.