Introduction.- Theoretical Perspectives on International Migration and Livelihoods.- Theories of International Migration.- The New Economics of Migration / The New Economics of Labor Migration.- Segmented Labor Market or Dual Labor Market Theory.- Migration Network, Chain Migration and Migration System Theories.- Transnational Migration and Transnational Social Spaces.- Sustainable Livelihoods Approach.- Analytical Framework.- Methodology and Methods.- Methods of Empirical Field Research.- Multi-Sited Field Research.- Migration as a Process and Contemporary Trends in International Migration in Kyrgyzstan.- Migration Processes in the Soviet Period.- New Forms and Trends in International Migration after Sovereignty.- Conclusion.- Jalal - Abad Oblast - Global Transformations and Local Responses.- Demographic and Socio-Economic Situation in the Jalal-Abad Oblast.- Changing Patterns of Rural Livelihoods in the Case Study Region: Examples from the Rural Municipality Areas of Arstanbap, Kyzyl-Unkur and Kara-Alma.- Conclusion.- Migration as a Crucial Practice within New Livelihood Strategies.- Reasons of International Migration.- Reasons for Migration.- Decision Making and the Initial Resources for Going Abroad.- The Role of Migrant Networks in Migration and the Development of Chain Reactions.- Geography of International Migration.- Scale and Destination of Migrants.- Period and Frequency of Migration.- Economic Activity of Migrants.- Types of Migrant's Occupation.- How Do Migrants Gain Access to Jobs?.- Conclusion.- Impacts of International Migration on Local Livelihoods.- Economic Impact of International Migration.- Monthly Earnings, Expenditures and Savings of Migrants.- Remittances and Spending Patterns.- From Coping Strategy to Sustainability and Wellbeing.- Social Impact of International Migration.- Social Impacts of International Migration on Families Left Behind.- Role of International Migration in Creating Human and Social Capitals.- Challenges of Female Migrants Abroad.- Low Social Status Abroad or Brain Waste.- Political Impact of International Migration.- Legalization Issues, Difficulties, Risks and Solutions to Cope with the Challenges.- Adoption of the Citizenship of Another Country.- Transnational Practices of Kyrgyz Migrants.- Conclusion.- Return Migration.- Ambiguous Geographies of Return Migration.- Temporal Dimension of Return Migration: Permanent, Temporary, and Imagined.- Spatial Dimension or Geography of Return Migration.- Reasons for Return.- Re-Migration: Reasons, Intentions and Expectations.- Conclusion.- Conclusion, Outlook and Final Remarks.