{"id":52447,"date":"2026-07-20T07:29:56","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T04:29:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kz.f-chain.com\/?p=52447"},"modified":"2026-07-20T07:46:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T04:46:31","slug":"social-reform-kazakhstan-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kz.f-chain.com\/en\/feautured-post\/social-reform-kazakhstan-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Social Reform in Kazakhstan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Social Reform in Kazakhstan<\/strong><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

On 7 July 2026, the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 334-VIII was adopted, introducing significant amendments to the country’s social legislation. The amendments affect several areas, including healthcare, labor relations, the pension system, migration, social protection, education, state control, and biosafety. Most provisions of the Law will enter into force on 10 October 2026, while certain provisions will take effect on 1 January 2027, 10 July 2027, and 1 January 2028. Below are the key changes.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Changes in Healthcare and the Circulation of Medicines<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The amendments are aimed at strengthening state control over the circulation of medicines and medical devices. In particular:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. the authorized body is granted the authority to apply state supervision measures without initiating administrative proceedings;<\/li>\n
  2. inspections of pharmaceutical market entities may be conducted without prior notification based on a risk management system;<\/li>\n
  3. the costs of laboratory testing will be borne by manufacturers or holders of registration certificates;<\/li>\n
  4. the provisions governing professional liability insurance for healthcare professionals have been expanded;<\/li>\n
  5. the term “medical gas” has been legally defined;<\/li>\n
  6. healthcare organizations are required to implement systems for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections;<\/li>\n
  7. in the event of a threat of infectious disease outbreaks, sanitary and epidemiological authorities are entitled to process the personal data of persons entering Kazakhstan without obtaining their consent.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    New Approaches to Labor Relations<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The amendments are aimed at improving the system of workforce training and qualification recognition. The Labor Code clarifies the concept of special knowledge required to perform certain work. Such knowledge includes theoretical and practical competencies acquired through education, vocational training, or professional experience.<\/p>\n

    If professional standards do not establish educational requirements, a candidate may confirm their competence by presenting a professional qualification recognition certificate. The Law also defines the process of professional training, which includes:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. initial training;<\/li>\n
    2. retraining;<\/li>\n
    3. advanced professional training.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      National Labor Resources Forecasting System<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      To improve labor market planning, a National Labor Resources Forecasting System is being established.<\/p>\n

      In addition, each region will introduce Regional Occupational Demand Maps reflecting employers’ demand for specialists. The following participants will officially be involved in the system:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. government authorities;<\/li>\n
      2. local executive bodies;<\/li>\n
      3. representatives of employees.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Furthermore, local executive bodies are granted additional authority to submit proposals for amendments to the Register of Occupations and professional standards based on regional labor market needs.<\/p>\n

        \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

        Additional Social Support Measures<\/strong><\/h3>\n

        The Law expands social guarantees for various categories of the population. In particular:<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. the legal status of organizations established by local executive bodies to support the social inclusion of self-sufficient senior citizens is formally recognized;<\/li>\n
        2. Early Intervention and Child Development Centers will be established within primary healthcare organizations for children under six years of age;<\/li>\n
        3. children with functional limitations who have not been officially recognized as persons with disabilities will be eligible to receive assistive devices and specialized mobility equipment following illnesses.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          In addition, a unified digital data exchange module will be created to facilitate interaction between the information systems of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the Ministry of Healthcare, and the Ministry of Education to support children at risk and children with special educational needs. Special attention is also given to inclusion. The term “sign language” is officially replaced with “signed language”, which is legally recognized as an independent visual-spatial language system.<\/p>\n

          \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

          New Opportunities for UAPF Contributors<\/strong><\/h3>\n

          One of the most significant changes is the expansion of opportunities for managing pension savings. Contributors to and beneficiaries of the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund (UAPF) will be able to:<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. choose an investment portfolio manager;<\/li>\n
          2. determine the amount of pension savings to be transferred under trust management;<\/li>\n
          3. select an investment strategy.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            The new rules apply to pension savings accumulated through mandatory pension contributions, mandatory occupational pension contributions, and voluntary pension contributions.<\/p>\n

            \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

            New Requirements for Employing Foreign Labor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

            The amendments also affect migration legislation. Employers hiring foreign specialists will be required to establish mentoring programs. Highly qualified foreign employees must transfer their knowledge and practical experience to Kazakhstani specialists. The procedure for providing state support to ethnic Kazakhs (Kandas) and resettles has also been clarified. Local executive bodies will be entitled to revoke decisions on inclusion in the regional quota in the following cases:<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. submission of false or inaccurate documents;<\/li>\n
            2. failure to arrive in the designated resettlement region within three months;<\/li>\n
            3. repeated violations of registration or residency requirements within five years.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              The grounds for terminating relocation, housing rental, and utility subsidies have also been established.<\/p>\n

              For example, subsidies will cease if the recipient purchases their own housing, subleases the rented property, or is absent from the registered place of residence for more than 90 consecutive calendar days.<\/p>\n

              \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Monitoring of Overseas Employment Agencies<\/strong><\/h3>\n

              The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection is granted new powers to conduct preventive supervision of agencies providing overseas employment services for citizens of Kazakhstan. Inspections may be conducted:<\/p>\n

                \n
              1. remotely;<\/li>\n
              2. without visiting the organization;<\/li>\n
              3. on a quarterly basis.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                If violations are identified, companies will be granted 30 working days<\/strong> to remedy them.<\/p>\n

                \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                Transfer of Powers from the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs to the Ministry of Labor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                One of the most significant changes is the redistribution of powers in the field of professional qualifications. The authority to accredit and supervise professional qualification recognition centers is transferred from the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The authorized body will be responsible for:<\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. accrediting qualification recognition centers;<\/li>\n
                2. making decisions on the suspension or withdrawal of accreditation;<\/li>\n
                3. concluding post-accreditation monitoring agreements;<\/li>\n
                4. supervising the activities of qualification recognition centers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  At the same time, the role of the National Qualifications Authority is being strengthened. It will serve as the unified methodological and digital center of the National Qualifications System. Its responsibilities include:<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. developing the methodology of the National Qualifications System;<\/li>\n
                  2. conducting expert reviews of sectoral qualifications frameworks and professional standards;<\/li>\n
                  3. developing the digital platform of the National Qualifications System;<\/li>\n
                  4. maintaining the register of accredited qualification recognition centers;<\/li>\n
                  5. monitoring the quality of qualification assessment procedures and examinations.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    What This Means for Businesses<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                    The adopted amendments will affect a wide range of employers, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers, companies employing foreign workers, and organizations providing social services. Businesses are encouraged to assess the impact of the new requirements on their internal processes, HR policies, interactions with government authorities, and overall regulatory compliance well before the majority of the provisions enter into force.<\/p>\n

                    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Business Support with FChain<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                    The FChain team provides comprehensive business support to help companies comply with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. We can assist your company with:<\/p>\n