Kyrgyzstan — Return Migrants Survey — Round 3 (July 2024)

MTM implements the Return Migrants Survey in Kyrgyzstan with international return migrants in various locations including seven regions and two cities. The selection of survey locations was informed by the findings of MTM’s Baseline Mobility Assessment (BMA) on return migrants. The survey questionnaire drew upon IOM's previous studies in Central Asia and consultations with both internal and external experts. It covered a range of topics including socio-economic profiles, migration experiences, employment status, remittances, as well as identifying needs and vulnerabilities.

In the third round of the survey (conducted from May to July 2024), 1,734 return migrants were interviewed. The key findings reveal significant insights into their circumstances. The majority of return migrants, 79 per cent, came from the Russian Federation. Moreover, 41 per cent of the respondents reported having attained an upper secondary education level, while 37 per cent of the respondents identified themselves as the primary breadwinners for their families. Moreover, a notable portion, 90 per cent, stated they either live in their own or their parents' houses. The majority, 23 per cent of the return migrants, were previously engaged in the construction sector. In addition, 30 per cent of the return migrants indicated that they wanted to permanently stay in Kyrgyzstan without any intended plans for re-migration.