In this survey, ACT Kazakhstan has identified the perception and attitude towards migrants in Almaty. The survey showed that more than half of the respondents (53%) did not feel the presence of a large number of migrants from other countries. At the same time, every third Almaty resident (36%) said to the contrary. Taking into account the socio-demographic profile, mostly women aged 46 to 57 years felt the presence of a large number of migrants from other countries. According to the survey, the majority of respondents (72%) felt the presence of a large number of newcomers from other regions of Kazakhstan. Such perception was most common among men aged 46 to 57 years old. Regarding oralmans, the opinions divided equally: 41% of the respondents felt the presence of a large number of repatriated ethnic Kazakhs, while 40% did not feel the presence of a large number of newcomers of this category.

During the survey, the locals most often agreed with such positive statements regarding migrants as:

• The newcomers let the local population receive a range of services (e.g., repair and construction) at a lower price (78%)
• The migrants occupy those vacancies which the locals are NOT interested in (58%)
• The migrants are hardworking people willing to work hard (53%)

By gender and age groups, men aged 18 to 27 years mostly shared the positive statements. At the same time, some negative statements towards migrants were registered:

• The migrants work illegally; therefore, the budget receives less tax income (65%)
• The migrants agree for low wages, and it restrains the overall wage growth (65%)
• The economy of Kazakhstan makes no profits from the migrants because they send all the earnings back to their homes (62%)
• The migrants increase the crime rate in Almaty (50%)
• It is more profitable for employers to hire migrants than the locals (49%)
  
  

By gender and age groups, men prevailed in negative statements as well, but in this case, they were aged 46 to 65 years. Every second respondent believed that the Government should limit the influx of migrants. The survey was conducted in March 2018 among the population of the city of Almaty on a sample representing the city population. The survey was conducted in the form of a personal interview. The sample size was 404 respondents. The sampling error does not exceed 4.9%, CI = 95%. The use of survey materials is permitted with the obligatory mention of the author of the survey.