Seoul, August 27, 2026 - Ahead of the International Day against Nuclear Tests, the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Korea held an awareness-raising event focused on nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and strengthening international security.The event brought together representatives of the Republic of Korea's public, political, expert, and academic communities.Addressing the participants, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Korea Asset Issenali highlighted the special place of anti-nuclear policy in the modern history of Kazakhstan, a country that endured the devastating consequences of nuclear testing and voluntarily renounced one of the world's largest nuclear arsenals.Particular attention was given to the historic decision to close the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site on August 29, 1991. At Kazakhstan's initiative, the United Nations General Assembly subsequently designated this date as the International Day against Nuclear Tests.It was noted that Kazakhstan consistently advocates for strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime, achieving a universal ban on nuclear testing, and reducing nuclear risks.During the discussion, participants emphasized that amid persistent geopolitical tensions and growing threats to international security, the anti-nuclear agenda is taking on particular importance, while dialogue, mutual trust, and diplomacy remain indispensable instruments for ensuring lasting peace.The participants highly commended Kazakhstan's contribution to advancing nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, noting the country's unique moral authority rooted in its own historical experience.In conclusion, it was emphasized that the International Day against Nuclear Tests is not only a reminder of the tragic consequences of the past, but also a call for states to assume shared responsibility for the peace and security of future generations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-seoul/press/news/details/1282432?lang=ru

Riyadh, August 30, 2026 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Saudi Arabia Madiyar Menilbekov met with Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services of the Kingdom.During the negotiations, the parties welcomed the signing of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Air Services on 26 August, 2026, emphasizing its importance for further strengthening bilateral ties. It was noted that the intergovernmental agreement will provide a solid foundation for expanding direct air connectivity, increasing passenger and cargo transportation, as well as creating new opportunities for the development of trade and economic, investment, tourism and humanitarian cooperation.In this regard, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to ensure the effective implementation of the agreements reached and to give additional impetus to practical cooperation in the transport sector.Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue working-level contacts aimed at further developing Kazakh-Saudi cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-riyadh/press/news/details/1282433?lang=ru

From 27 to 30 August 2026, Bishkek hosted a meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) under the chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic.The National Coordinators considered draft outcome documents to be submitted for consideration at the forthcoming meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO Member States, scheduled to take place in Bishkek on 1 September 2026. The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange views on priorities for the further development of multifaceted cooperation within the SCO.Particular attention was devoted to current issues concerning the enhancement of the Organisation’s activities, as well as to strengthening its legal and institutional framework.“The forthcoming SCO Summit in Bishkek is of particular significance for the Organisation’s further development. As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the SCO, it is important not only to take stock of the progress achieved over the years, but also to set clear and practical priorities for advancing cooperation. Kazakhstan attaches great importance to strengthening the role of the SCO as an effective, balanced and inclusive multilateral platform,” said Murat Mukushev, National Coordinator for SCO Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.The SCO Summit is expected to adopt a substantive package of documents aimed at further enhancing the effectiveness of the Organisation and strengthening cooperation among its Member States. Among the key outcome documents will be the Bishkek Declaration, to be adopted on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the SCO.The Council of National Coordinators of the SCO Member States serves as a coordinating mechanism for the Organisation’s ongoing activities and facilitates interaction among the relevant ministries and government authorities of the SCO Member States. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1282431?lang=ru

The Department of State Revenue for the Mangystau Region explains how individual property tax is calculated and paid, which categories of individuals are not taxpayers (or enjoy a statutory allowance), and what to do if the assessment appears incorrect. How is property tax on residential objects calculated? Individual property tax is assessed by state revenue authorities at the location of the taxable object. For dwellings, buildings, dacha structures, garages, parking spaces and other constructions, the tax base is the value of the object (or the aggregate value of objects where the statutory threshold is exceeded).The rate depends on value: the higher the value, the higher the applicable rate (a progressive scale). From 2026, a separate calculation procedure applies where the aggregate value of objects exceeds the statutory threshold.The tax is assessed no later than 1 July of the year following the reporting tax period and is payable no later than 1 October of that year. What happens if the property tax is not paid? If the tax is not paid by the due date, a late-payment penalty (penya) accrues for each day of delay starting after 1 October.When arrears arise, the taxpayer is issued a notice. Thirty working days are allowed to comply. If the debt exceeds 1 MCI, a tax order is issued.If the debt remains unpaid after the tax order, the case is referred to court enforcement officers. Compulsory collection measures may be applied, including attachment of bank accounts and property.In 2026, 1 monthly calculation index (MCI / MRP) equals 4,325 tenge. Who is not an individual property taxpayer? The following persons are not individual property taxpayers (subject to the limits set by Article 597 of the Tax Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan):Heroes of the Soviet Union, Heroes of Socialist Labour, holders of the titles “Halyk Kaharmany” and “Kazakstanyn Yenbek Yeri”, and holders of the Order of Labour Glory of three classes and the “Otan” Order — within 1,000 MCI (KZT 4,325,000 in 2026) of the total value of objects specified in subparagraph 1) of Article 599 of the Tax Code;Great Patriotic War veterans, persons equated to them in benefits, veterans of combat operations in other states, home-front workers of the war years, and persons with disabilities — in respect of land plots occupied by the housing stock, adjoining plots, plots for personal subsidiary farming, gardening and dacha construction, and plots under garages; and within 1,500 MCI (KZT 6,487,500 in 2026) of the total value of objects specified in subparagraph 1) of Article 599;orphans and children left without parental care — until they reach the age of 18, in respect of the land plots and taxable objects listed above;one parent of a person with a disability from childhood or of a child with a disability — in respect of the land plots listed above;mothers of many children awarded the title “Mother Heroine” or the “Altyn Alka” pendant, and separately residing pensioners — in respect of land plots occupied by the housing stock and adjoining plots; and within 1,000 MCI of the total value of objects specified in subparagraph 1) of Article 599. Separately residing pensioners are pensioners at whose legal address only pensioners are registered;individual entrepreneurs — in respect of objects used in entrepreneurial activity (except dwellings and other objects assessed by the state revenue authorities);individuals who own an apartment (room) — in respect of their share in the land plot occupied by a multi-apartment residential building.Data on eligible categories are submitted annually by the competent authorities and are taken into account when the tax is assessed. If an exemption has not been applied, the taxpayer should apply to the state revenue authority with supporting documents. Why has property tax been charged to me? The tax is assessed on individuals who own dwellings, apartments, dacha structures, garages, parking spaces and other taxable objects located in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The legal basis is ownership of the object. Why has the tax amount increased compared with last year? An increase may result from a change in the value, area or other characteristics of the property, from updated information on the object, or from changes in calculation indices and rates provided by the Tax Code. Why has the tax been charged if I am entitled to an exemption? In some cases information on the preferential category may be missing from information systems or may not have been taken into account. The taxpayer should apply to the state revenue authority at the location of the object and submit documents confirming the right to the exemption so that the assessment can be adjusted. Why has the tax been charged if I have sold the property? The tax is assessed for the actual period of ownership. If information on the termination of ownership has not been received or taken into account, the taxpayer should apply to the state revenue authority for verification and adjustment. Why has the tax been charged to the wrong owner? This may occur where ownership records diverge or ownership has changed. The taxpayer should apply to the state revenue authority to verify and correct the data. Where should I apply if I disagree with the assessed amount? Apply to the state revenue authority at the location of the taxable object and submit documents supporting the need for an adjustment (title documents, evidence of an exemption, sale-and-purchase contracts, etc.).Assessments can be checked and the tax paid via the e-Salyq Azamat mobile application, the kgd.gov.kz portal, second-tier banks and payment services. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-mangistau/press/news/details/1282396?lang=ru

FACTSHEET OverviewOn 3 June 2026, the Mazhilis, the lower chamber of Kazakhstan’s Parliament, approved in the first reading the draft law “On Amnesty in Connection with the Adoption of the New Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan” and accompanying legislative amendments.The proposed legislation introduces the first large-scale administrative amnesty in Kazakhstan’s history and is directly linked to the adoption of the new Constitution in 2026 and the country’s broader programme of political and institutional reforms.While Kazakhstan has periodically conducted criminal amnesties, administrative amnesty has never previously been applied, despite the legal possibility existing under the Code of Administrative Offences. The new initiative seeks to provide individuals who committed minor administrative offences with an opportunity to resolve outstanding liabilities and move forward.The administrative amnesty will be conducted alongside a criminal amnesty, marking the first time both measures have been implemented simultaneously. Similar programmes aimed at reducing administrative penalties and outstanding fines have been used in various forms in several countries around the world.Under the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Amnesty in connection with the Adoption of the New Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan” (Law No. 328-VIII of 1 July, 2026) the measures required to implement the amnesty will be carried out from 1 July to 31 December 2026. Key Facts at a GlanceFirst administrative amnesty in Kazakhstan’s history.Introduced in connection with the adoption of Kazakhstan’s new Constitution in 2026 and the country’s political and institutional reforms.Applies primarily to administrative fines.Expected to cover around one million fines administered through the Ministry of Internal Affairs system.No application from citizens will be required.Decisions will be processed automatically through digital government systems.Court-imposed fines and offences that threaten public safety, public health, or state interests are excluded.Conducted alongside a criminal amnesty that could affect approximately 16,500 individuals. Why the Amnesty Is Being IntroducedResponding to public demand for fairness: While Kazakhstan has periodically conducted criminal amnesties linked to major national milestones since independence, public discussion increasingly focused on whether similar leniency should also be extended to individuals who committed minor administrative offences.Recognising the lower severity of administrative offences: Administrative violations are generally less serious than criminal offences, yet unpaid fines may still lead to legal consequences, including penalty accrual, restrictions on financial transactions, and enforcement measures.Providing a fresh start: The amnesty offers individuals with outstanding administrative fines a one-time opportunity to regularise their situation and move forward without the burden of long-standing penalties.Supporting financially vulnerable citizens: The measure is intended to help resolve unpaid fines, particularly for individuals who may face difficulties in settling accumulated liabilities.Complementing existing incentives: The amnesty builds on Kazakhstan’s existing system, which already allows administrative fines to be paid at a 50 percent discount if settled within the prescribed early-payment period.Supporting Kazakhstan’s constitutional renewal: The amnesty is linked to the adoption of Kazakhstan’s new Constitution in 2026 and represents a practical expression of the principles underpinning the country’s new stage of constitutional development.Continuing a broader reform agenda: The initiative forms part of Kazakhstan’s wider efforts to modernise public institutions, strengthen the rule of law, and build a more responsive and citizen-centred system of governance. Administrative Amnesty: Who Is Eligible The administrative amnesty will be regulated under a new Article 889-1 of Kazakhstan’s Code of Administrative Offences.The measure applies to administrative fines imposed on:Citizens of KazakhstanIndividual entrepreneursPrivate notariesPrivate bailiffsLawyersLegal consultants The inclusion of individual entrepreneurs is intended to support economic activity and reduce the financial burden associated with outstanding administrative penalties.The administrative amnesty will not apply to:Fines imposed by courtsRepeat administrative offencesOffences that threaten public safety, citizens’ lives and health, or state interestsExcluded categories include, among others:Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugsDriving on the wrong side of the road and other serious traffic violationsIllegal trafficking of weaponsIllegal drug traffickingOffences related to public health and sanitary-epidemiological safetyViolations involving personal data protectionOther categories specified by law. Criminal AmnestySince independence, Kazakhstan has conducted around ten criminal amnesties linked to major national milestones and humanitarian considerations. The current initiative is distinct because it is the first to combine a criminal amnesty with a large-scale administrative amnesty.Who is eligible: Individuals convicted of criminal misdemeanours, minor offences, and certain medium-gravity crimes that did not result in damage, or where any damage caused has been fully compensated.Potential scope: According to preliminary estimates, approximately 16,500 individuals may benefit from the criminal amnesty.Potential releases: Around 1,500 individuals could be released from places of detention.Sentence reductions: Certain categories of convicted persons serving sentences for medium-gravity, serious, and especially serious crimes may qualify for reduced sentences, subject to conditions established by law. Who is excluded: The amnesty will not apply to persons convicted of:Corruption-related offencesTerrorism and extremism-related crimesCrimes against the sexual integrity of minors;Torture;Repeat and dangerous repeat offences;Other offences considered to pose a heightened threat to society.Judicial oversight: The final decision on the application of criminal amnesty will be made by the courts on an individual basis. Implementation MechanismDigital administration: The administrative amnesty will be implemented through Kazakhstan’s Unified Register of Administrative Proceedings.Automatic identification: Eligible individuals will be identified automatically using criteria established in legislation.Electronic processing: Amnesty decisions will be generated electronically and authenticated using the electronic digital signatures of authorised officials.No application required: Citizens will not need to submit applications, visit government offices, or take any additional steps to benefit from the amnesty.Automatic notification: Individuals covered by the amnesty will be informed through digital government services and SMS notifications.Reduced administrative burden: The fully digital process is designed to ensure efficient implementation and minimise bureaucracy for both citizens and government agencies. Expected ImpactReduced financial burden: The measure will help citizens and small businesses resolve outstanding administrative penalties and remove long-standing liabilities.Resolution of unpaid fines: The amnesty is expected to address a significant number of accumulated unpaid fines that may otherwise remain difficult to collect.Improved administrative efficiency: By resolving accumulated administrative cases and updating relevant government databases, the amnesty is expected to simplify enforcement procedures, improve data quality, and support more efficient interactions between citizens, government agencies, and financial institutions.Supporting social reintegration: The measure provides eligible individuals with an opportunity to regularise their legal and financial status and move forward without the burden of historical administrative penalties.Supporting digital transformation: The implementation of the amnesty through fully digital procedures will further strengthen the use of modern electronic government systems and automated public services. Beyond its immediate humanitarian and administrative objectives, the initiative forms part of Kazakhstan’s broader programme of constitutional, political, and institutional modernisation. By resolving accumulated administrative cases through a fully digital process, the amnesty is also expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to improve administrative efficiency, enhance the quality of government data systems, and support the further digital transformation of public services. International PracticeCountries around the world periodically introduce amnesty or penalty-relief programmes to help citizens and businesses resolve outstanding administrative liabilities, reduce enforcement burdens, and encourage compliance.Examples include:Italy has implemented several programmes allowing the cancellation or reduction of outstanding administrative penalties, tax debts, and related surcharges.Greece has introduced schemes enabling citizens to settle or reduce accumulated administrative debts and penalties, particularly during periods of economic hardship.Argentina has periodically implemented amnesty programmes covering unpaid taxes, penalties, and certain administrative obligations.The United Arab Emirates has introduced temporary amnesty initiatives that waived administrative fines associated with immigration and residency violations.Several U.S. states and municipalities have implemented limited amnesty programmes allowing residents to resolve overdue fines and administrative penalties without additional sanctions or interest.Russia has previously introduced targeted tax and debt amnesties for individuals and small businesses to regularise outstanding obligations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-kuveyt/press/news/details/1282401?lang=ru