Kazakhstan denies reports of talks with EU on hosting migrants

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied reports claiming that the country is engaged in negotiations with the European Union regarding the placement of migrants from third countries on Kazakh territory.

According to Interfax, the ministry issued a statement rejecting the allegations.

“The Kazakh side has not entered into negotiations with the European Union or its member states on the establishment of centres in Kazakhstan for the reception, detention, transit, or accommodation of persons who are not citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan and are subject to return or deportation from European countries,” the statement said.

The ministry emphasised that issues related to visa facilitation for Kazakh citizens and readmission are legally distinct matters.

“Any potential discussions on visa liberalisation with the European Union cannot be regarded as grounds for assuming obligations to host on Kazakhstan’s territory individuals who are not citizens of the republic,” the ministry stressed.