Employment in Kazakhstan: Changes from October 2026 - FCHAIN

Employment in Kazakhstan: Changes from October 2026

Starting October 1, 2026, Kazakhstan will launch a pilot project aimed at improving the approach to providing services to job seekers. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan plans to gradually introduce an updated algorithm for supporting job seekers, while specialists from career centers and branches of the State Social Insurance Fund will receive training on the new work processes. The main objective of the new approach is to make employment support more targeted and focused on the actual employment of job seekers. The pilot project will also make it possible to assess the updated algorithm in practice and prepare the employment system for further changes.

 

Job Search Period to Be Extended to 13 Days

One of the main changes will be an extension of the period for finding suitable employment before a person is granted unemployed status. Starting October 1, 2026, this period will increase from 2 to 13 days as part of the pilot project. The additional time is intended to allow for more detailed work with job seekers. Career center specialists will be able to assess their professional experience, skills, and needs, conduct profiling, identify suitable vacancies, and facilitate interaction with employers. The process will focus not only on registration but also on providing consistent support throughout the job search. Job seekers will have the opportunity to receive individual consultations, review suitable vacancies, complete the necessary procedures, and find employment that corresponds to their qualifications, experience, and professional plans.

 

Career Centers to Introduce Updated Work Procedures

During the pilot project, specialists from career centers and branches of the State Social Insurance Fund will receive additional training on updated work processes and procedures for interacting with job seekers. Particular attention will be paid to profiling job seekers, selecting suitable vacancies, and supporting individuals until they find employment. The updated approach also provides for the use of active employment support measures and the proper recording of results in information systems. The pilot period will make it possible to assess the effectiveness of the new algorithm in practice, identify areas requiring further adjustment, and prepare the regions for the subsequent transition to updated approaches in the employment system.

 

Social Payments During the Pilot Project

The launch of the pilot project on October 1, 2026, does not mean that the duration of social payments in the event of job loss will change at the same time. During the pilot period, these payments will continue to be provided under the existing procedure. Individuals entitled to such payments will retain the right to receive them under the conditions established by law. Separate changes are scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2027. According to amendments to the Social Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan provided for by the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan approved on June 11, 2026, the maximum period for receiving social payments in the event of job loss will be up to three months, subject to the conditions established by law. It is therefore important to distinguish between the two dates. October 1, 2026 marks the beginning of the pilot stage aimed at improving the employment service system and extending the period for finding suitable employment to 13 days before unemployed status is granted. The change to the maximum duration of social payments in the event of job loss will take effect on January 1, 2027.

 

Information Campaign to Be Conducted Across All Regions

Before the legislative changes take effect, the Ministry plans to conduct an information and awareness campaign across all regions of Kazakhstan. From October through December 2026, meetings with citizens, consultations, presentations by specialists, and other informational activities are planned. These activities will explain the upcoming changes, the procedure for receiving social payments, and the opportunities available through the employment support system. Overall, the new approach is intended to ensure that government support is targeted and accessible, with interaction with job seekers focused primarily on finding suitable work and subsequent employment.

 

What the Changes Mean for Employers

The new pilot project directly concerns the operation of the employment system and the support provided to job seekers. One element of the updated algorithm will involve selecting suitable vacancies and facilitating interaction between career centers and employers. Employers will therefore continue to participate in the employment process as vacancies are matched with job seekers based on their professional experience, skills, and needs. As the pilot project begins on October 1, 2026, and is intended to test the updated processes in practice, its results will be used to assess the effectiveness of the new algorithm and prepare the employment system for further changes.

 

FChain HR and Legal Support

Managing employment relations requires a systematic approach to recruitment, HR administration, payroll, and legal support. FChain provides comprehensive HR and legal services to companies operating in Kazakhstan.

• HR Services — support with HR administration and documentation related to employment relations.
• Recruitment — selection of specialists based on the employer’s requirements for the position and candidates.
• HR Audit — a comprehensive review of the company’s HR documentation and existing HR processes.
• Employer of Record — support with employing personnel through an external employer.
• Payroll Services — calculation of employee salaries and related mandatory payments.
• Legal Support for Business — professional support with the company’s ongoing legal matters, including those related to its operational activities.
• Legal Services — legal support on matters arising in the course of conducting business in Kazakhstan.

FChain’s comprehensive approach makes it possible to combine recruitment, HR administration, payroll, and legal support within a single professional team, ensuring a systematic approach to managing personnel-related processes.

 

Accounting and Tax News in Kazakhstan — October 2026

Prepared by: Anel Kosmaganbetova

Assistant to the Director

FChain Kazakhstan

 📩almaty@f-chain.com
WhatsApp: +7 771 214 1820