Changes in the Labor Legislation of Kazakhstan (2025–2026) — Key Amendments, Responsibilities, and Employer Guidance | FChain Kazakhstan

Changes in the Labor Legislation of Kazakhstan

 In November 2025, the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan reviewed a package of changes to the Labor Legislation aimed at increasing transparency in labor relations, protecting employees, and strengthening the mechanism of social partnership. Below are the main updates that will have a significant impact on the activities of employers and employees.

Clarification of the Rights and Obligations of Employees During Termination

One of the important changes is the introduction of a maximum period for the transfer of material assets upon dismissal of materially responsible employees. The transfer period is limited to one month from the date of notification of termination of the employment contract.
In the current version, the moment of termination is tied to the date of completion of the handover of property, which often caused delays in dismissals and settlements. The new norm eliminates such abuses and makes the process clearer and more controlled.

Significant Revision of Provisions on Educational Leave

A completely updated norm is introduced providing:

• educational leave for up to 6 months,
• the ability to divide it into parts,
• preservation of average earnings (except for “Bolashak”).
  This is a strategically important reform aimed at developing human capital.

Automatic Renewal of the Employment Contract

The rules for renewal have been clarified: if the last working day falls on sick leave or social leave, it is postponed to the day the employee returns to work. Previously, this information was not specified. These changes help eliminate disputed situations.

New Provisions on Transfers and Changes in Working Conditions

For the first time, the mechanism of temporary transfer is detailed:

• the employee receives the right to refuse a temporary transfer;
• the employer receives the right to cancel it;
• mandatory notification — at least 3 working days in advance.

This norm increases the flexibility of labor relations and ensures a balance of interests on both sides.

Conciliation Procedure

It is provided that the conciliation commission will consult with employees (and their representatives), the employer, employer associations, local executive bodies, state bodies, and other interested parties. The current version of the Labor Code limits the participants of the conciliation commission mainly to the employer and employees or their representatives. The new norm expands the list of participants with local executive bodies, which strengthens the role of social partnership and increases the transparency of conciliation procedures.
Expanding the circle of participants increases the legitimacy of decisions and strengthens the mechanism for collective resolution of labor disputes.

Expansion of Powers of Control Bodies and Technical Inspectors

The legislative changes detail the rights of technical inspectors, including:

• monitoring compliance with occupational safety standards;
• participation in the investigation of accidents;
• access to workplaces;
• participation in the development of regulatory acts;
• filing lawsuits regarding violations of occupational safety.

The law introduces a powerful tool to protect employees and prevent violations, expanding the powers of inspectors and their responsibility for compliance with occupational safety standards.

How FChain Helps Businesses Adapt to Legislative Changes

Changes in the Labor Code require employers to review internal documents, adjust local acts, update contracts, processes, and instructions. FChain provides comprehensive business support, including:

• legal services and legal maintenance for companies of any scale;
• legal support for business during the implementation of new norms;
• legal services and accounting services, including audit, HR administration, and analysis of internal acts;
• adaptation of labor processes to new legislative requirements.

Our team will help you timely and correctly implement all necessary changes, minimize risks, and ensure full compliance of your business with the legislation.

 For professional support, please contact us at almaty@f-chain.com or via WhatsApp at +7 771 214 1820

 

Prepared by:
Sergey Gaidarov and Dinara Kalizharova
Legal Department of FChain Kazakhstan
November 24, 2025

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