Between 15-16, November 2024 in Borovoe, Kazakhstan key government officials, policymakers, and migration experts from various sectors convened for a one-and-a-half day workshop titled “A Whole-of-Government Approach to Migration Data Management for Migration Policy Making.” Organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the main objective of the workshop was to enhance migration data systems and strategies, supporting data-driven decision-making across government sectors in Kazakhstan.

Workshop attendees were senior representatives from multiple governmental agencies, such as the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, The Ministry's of Internal Affairs Migration Service of the Police Department and Migration Committee representatives, the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms, the Ministry of Culture and Information, the Border Service of the National Security Committee; and other state entities.

Throughout the workshop, the discussions centered on understanding migration dynamics in Kazakhstan, followed by an exploration of the need for a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to migration data. The Senior Regional Project Manager from the IOM Global Data Institute, Ms. Vivianne van der Vorst, led the sessions on key strategies for implementing effective migration data systems, offering insights into global best practices for developing effective migration data systems.

A key highlight of the workshop was a collaborative session focused on identifying data gaps and exploring potential enhancement for interagency collaboration. In this session participants worked together to refine the framework that supports a whole-of-government strategy for sustainable migration data systems in Kazakhstan. This collaborative approach is intended to strengthen interdepartmental coordination and improve data accuracy, accessibility, and application across policy-making bodies.

The workshop reinforced Kazakhstan’s commitment to advancing migration management through comprehensive data systems, aligning with global standards to more effectively address migration trends. The outcomes of the workshop will foster the progress of Kazakhstan's migration policies, promoting a more efficient, data-driven approach to migration management that supports both national security and economic growth.

The event is being held under the “Regional Evidence for Migration Analysis and Policy” project funded by the European Union and synergized with the “Labour Migration Programme” project in Central Asia funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

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