Support for companions as a form of socio-humanitarian cross-border cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan (on the example of the regions of the Southern Urals)

Since the 1990s, Russia and Kazakhstan have established a solid legal framework that covers almost all areas of economic and sociohumanitarian cooperation. Currently, the main areas of cooperation include diversifying the economy, introducing innovative technologies, strengthening sovereignty, utilizing geographical potential, developing tourism, educational programs, and facilitating international exchange of industrial and scientific expertise. However, there is still a lack of coordinated socio-humanitarian practices for working with diasporas. In this regard, cooperation in the field of support for compatriots can become a promising form of cross-border interaction between the two countries. This article analyzes the experience of implementing a regional program for the voluntary resettlement of compatriots in the Chelyabinsk Region, as well as the practices of cooperation with national and cultural centers in terms of supporting immigrants. The purpose of the article is to summarize the experience of implementing the program in the context of developing cross-border cooperation and strengthening sociohumanitarian ties in the border territories of the two countries. The methodological basis of the work is based on the institutional approach, the theories of public administration and public policy, as well as the principles of program-targeted management. The empirical basis of the study includes quantitative and qualitative methods. The article analyzes the data from mass and expert surveys conducted in Chelyabinsk and Kostanay regions. Special attention was paid to the annual reports on the implementation of the regional program for promoting the voluntary resettlement of the Kazakhs in Chelyabinsk region for 2016–2023. The study confirmed that friendly interethnic relations prevail in the border territories. The regional state program demonstrates a positive effect, improving the demographic situation and solving the problem of attracting and retaining qualified personnel. The active participation of national and cultural organizations in the development of migration and national policies strengthens the interaction between the state and society in addressing migration issues, and also contributes to the development of transnational social and humanitarian ties.