Migration Patterns
Researching flows of migration from Central Asia and publishing findings in reports, articles, and interactive tools.
The Oxus Society researches the complex dynamics of labor migration from Central Asia, tracking flows across five countries and analyzing the political, economic, and social forces that drive millions of Central Asians to seek work abroad. Our findings are published as reports, articles, and interactive visualizations.
Key Reports
In-depth research and analysis from this project
Dialogue Summary: Japan and South Korea in Central Asia
Japan and South Korea's expanding engagement in Central Asia reflects a broader Asian shift in geopolitical influence, with both countries pursuing infrastructure investment, economic partnerships, and diplomatic initiatives that diversify the region's international relationships beyond China-focused analyses.
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Introducing the Central Asia Migration Tracker
Central Asia's young, rapidly growing population is increasingly forced to migrate for employment and education due to limited domestic opportunities, with Russia absorbing the majority of migrants while overlooked destinations in Europe and Asia are also experiencing significant growth. The report tracks migration patterns from 2016-2019, documenting how brain drain and remittance dependency are reshaping the region's demographic and economic landscape.
Read reportWhy Migration Matters
Labor migration is one of the defining features of Central Asian economies. Millions of workers from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan travel to Russia and Kazakhstan for employment, sending back remittances that account for a significant share of their home countries' GDP. Understanding these flows is essential to understanding the region's political stability, economic resilience, and social fabric.