Kazakhstan, the world's largest landlocked country, is located in Central Asia, bordered by Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west. Kazakhstan hosts refugees primarily from Afghanistan, with many having resided in the country for extended periods. These individuals often speak the local language, are culturally integrated, and have family ties with citizens. However, refugees in Kazakhstan face challenges due to their lack of permanent residency status, which limits their access to certain socio-economic rights, including naturalisation. Recognised refugees and pending applicants reside largely in urban areas—especially Almaty, Astana and Shymkent—accommodated through state-designated reception centres or private housing arrangements. Asylum-seekers receive temporary identity documents granting freedom of movement and access to basic services pending the outcome of their claims.

Kazakhstan acceded to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol in 1998, and in December 2009 adopted a Law on Refugees that entered into force in January 2010, thereby establishing national procedures for refugee status determination and related protections. Under this Law, applicants may submit claims at designated locations, undergo eligibility interviews, and receive provisional documentation pending final determination. The Aliens Law and the Law on Migration of the Population complement these provisions by regulating entry, temporary and permanent residence, and the issuance of identity documents to recognised refugees and other foreign residents. In 2023, Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to refugee protection by pledging to enhance asylum procedures and provide refugees with access to medical care, employment, education, and social assistance on par with citizens and permanently residing foreigners