On January 19, a meeting of the Samara district administration was held. During the meeting, the implementation of the Head of State's instructions for the "Year of Working Professions" was reviewed, and current issues and tasks for the upcoming period were discussed.The 2025 tourism results were also summarized, and key plans and priority areas for 2026 were identified.Special attention was paid to ensuring safe and uninterrupted traffic on roads during the winter. It was noted that last year, the public utilities fleet was updated, which allowed for timely snow removal.Relevant instructions were issued on all issues discussed. The need for high-quality and responsible execution of assigned tasks, without a formal approach, was emphasized.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/vko-samar/press/news/details/1144171?lang=kk

On January 13, 2026, Ambassador-at-Large – Head of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty Zhanibek Abdrashov presented the exequatur to Denis Meleshkin, the newly appointed Consul General of the Republic of Belarus in Almaty, with regard of the opening of the Consulate General of the Republic of Belarus in Almaty, and wished him success in his mission. In turn, the Consul General of Belarus expressed his gratitude and confirmed willingness to work for the benefit of the development of bilateral relations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-almaty/press/news/details/1144101?lang=kk

On January 13, 2026, Ambassador-at-Large – Head of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty, Zhanibek Abdrashov, held a meeting with the Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic in Kazakhstan, Gulmira Tolganbayeva. Both sides emphasized the importance of further expanding partnership relations aimed at mutually increasing the level of investment and trade and economic ties between the two countries. In turn, the Honorary Consul expressed her willingness to contribute to the further development of bilateral cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-almaty/press/news/details/1144107?lang=kk

On January 19, 2026, Ambassador-at-Large – Head of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty Zhanibek Abdrashov presented the exequatur to the newly appointed Consul General of the Republic of Tajikistan in Almaty Firuz Murodzoda and wished success in his mission. In turn, the Consul General of Tajikistan expressed his gratitude and confirmed willingness to work for the benefit of the development of bilateral relations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-almaty/press/news/details/1144110?lang=kk

In his Address, the Head of State emphasized the need to develop the deep processing potential of the agricultural sector.Therefore, everything produced in the region must be processed.Thus, a deep grain processing project, “Qostanai Grain Industry”, is being implemented, with a project cost of 71.0 billion tenge, a designed capacity of 415.0 thousand tons, and the creation of 650 jobs.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1144055?lang=kk

A regular meeting of the community was organized in bayandy village, where a number of important issues were considered.During the meeting, issues of forming the budget of Bayandy village for 2026-2028, determining the places of work to be carried out within the framework of the improvement program, making changes to the composition of community members, as well as other current issues were discussed.As a result of the discussion, recommendations and opinions were taken into account and appropriate decisions were made.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-munaily-bayandy/press/news/details/1144034?lang=kk

Within the framework of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence proclaimed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, jointly with the UNESCO Regional Office, officially launched a project to assess national readiness for the use of artificial intelligence.This UNESCO project is aimed at conducting a comprehensive analysis of the national artificial intelligence ecosystem. The assessment covers key dimensions of AI development in Kazakhstan, including the legal and regulatory framework, as well as sociocultural, economic, scientific and educational, and technological aspects.Special emphasis within the project is placed on ensuring effective cross-sectoral and inter-agency coordination as a key prerequisite for the development of a balanced and inclusive artificial intelligence policy.To date, a National Stakeholder Team has been established to implement UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM). The Team includes representatives of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Ministry of Culture and Information, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs “Atameken”, Astana IT University, Ozim Academy, the Association for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan, the NGO “Technowomen”, the UNESCO Regional Office, the National Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan for UNESCO and ICESCO, as well as civil society organizations directly involved in the implementation of the project.Based on the results of the assessment, practical recommendations will be developed aimed at fostering a human-centred AI ecosystem in Kazakhstan.The implementation of this UNESCO project represents an important step in advancing Kazakhstan’s strategic course toward the development of artificial intelligence, grounded in international cooperation and respect for universal values, human rights, and fundamental freedoms.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-pretoria/press/news/details/1147187?lang=kk

Astana, January 19, 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a meeting with Chairman of the Orascom Investment Holding Naguib Sawiris.The parties discussed priority areas of cooperation, including the mining and metallurgical industries, the financial sector, tourism and development. A particular attention was paid to Kazakhstan’s efforts to integrate into global value chains and attract strategic private investors with international expertise.The Foreign Minister emphasized that Kazakhstan is an open and predictable destination for long-term investments. Building a trust-based dialogue with investors remains an integral part of the country’s investment policy, with comprehensive support provided at all stages of project implementation.Chairman Sawiris highlighted Kazakhstan’s macroeconomic stability, its resource potential and its growing role as a regional investment hub in Central Asia. He stressed the importance of direct engagement with decision-makers and expressed interest in further exploring projects and expanding cooperation with Kazakhstani partners.The parties also exchanged views on prospective projects, including investments in the financial sector, and confirmed their mutual interest in expanding cooperation in new areas.Following the meeting, the interlocutors expressed their readiness to make every effort to ensure the practical implementation of the agreements reached and further expansion of bilateral cooperation.Naguib Sawiris is the founder of Orascom Telecom, which has operated in more than 28 countries worldwide. He currently leads a diversified global investment portfolio through Orascom Investment Holding, La Mancha Holding (mining and metals sector), and Ora Developers (real estate and tourism).Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/invest/press/news/details/1144534?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1143884?lang=kk

On January 18, the final games of the Regional Ice Hockey League among the amateur teams of Kostanay region in 2025/2026 took place. All the teams demonstrated a high level of organization, athletic training and competitive spirit.According to the results of the matches, the prizes were distributed as follows:1st place — Kostanay.2nd place — Rudny.3rd place — Denisovsky district.In total, 16 teams from different regions of Kostanay region took part in the competition. We would like to thank all the participants for their active participation, correct wrestling and contribution to the development of ice hockey in the region. Special thanks go to the coaches, referees, organizers and fans for their support and assistance in holding the competition.The Regional Ice Hockey League continues to play an important role in the development of mass sports and popularization of hockey in Kostanay region.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-kalasy-akimat/press/news/details/1143898?lang=kk

Effective January 1, 2026, according to the new Tax Code, income in the form of pension benefits and lump sum pension benefit payments for housing/medical expenses (LSPBP) from the UAPF is exempt from individual income tax (IIT), with the exception of pension benefits made to non-residents of the Republic of Kazakhstan.How was it?Previously, all pension benefits, including LSPBP from the UAPF, were considered income subject to IIT at a 10% withholding rate. Pension contributions were transferred to individual pension savings accounts before tax, and IIT was withheld upon payment. Adjustments and tax deductions were taken into account.When using lump sum pension benefit payments for housing/medical expenses, IIT was also withheld. There were two options for withholding: immediately upon receipt of the LSPBP or deferred until scheduled payments were made.How will this be implemented starting January 1, 2026?IIT is not withheld from all types of pension benefits, except in cases where the beneficiary is a non-resident of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and will not be withheld from the LSPBP.The changes also include the cancellation of accrued IIT obligations from the LSPBP for housing/medical expenses deferred until retirement, effective January 1, 2026, but do not provide for a refund of previously paid taxes.Individuals belonging to socially vulnerable groups are entitled to tax deductions up to 882 times the monthly calculated indicator in effect as of January 1 of the relevant financial year for taxable income in the form of lump-sum pension benefit payments. These include individuals with disabilities of the first, second, or third groups; one parent or guardian of a child with a disability; one adoptive parent or foster parent of orphans; combat veterans; and other categories. A full list of eligible individuals is available in Article 404 of the Tax Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. If recipients in this category paid the IIT immediately when using the LSPBP, they can submit a corresponding application and supporting documents to the UAPF for recalculation and reimbursement of the IIT in accordance with the new Tax Code within three years from the date of receipt of the LSPBP.What else will change?The changes also include the abolition, effective January 1, 2026, of tax deductions on voluntary pension contributions made to one's own account, which are applied to income subject to withholding tax at source in the amounts established by the Tax Code.However, the provision that voluntary pension contributions transferred by a tax agent to the UAPF for an employee are not considered personal income (and therefore not subject to IIT) remains in place, while such expenses are deductible for employers when calculating corporate income tax. This means that in this case, both the employee and the employer receive tax benefits.  Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/akimat-karakiya/press/news/details/1143763?lang=kk

On February 13, 2026, in accordance with the cascade training plan for election organizers and other participants in the electoral process, the territorial election commission of the city of Kurchatov organized and conducted a training video course on ensuring the electoral rights of persons with disabilities. The event was attended by members of district election commissions No. 3 and No. 4, as well as members of precinct election commissions No. 152 and No. 153. During the training, the participants got acquainted with video materials on the organization of accessibility of polling stations, as well as with international standards for ensuring the rights of people with disabilities in the electoral process. Presentation materials and video materials were used as part of the video course. Following the event, the participants actively participated in the discussion, asked questions and exchanged experiences.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/abay-kurchatov/press/news/details/1162143?lang=kk

Topical Questions about the UAPFHow have pension benefit payments from the UAPF changed in 2026?The amount of pension benefits from the UAPF to pensioners who retired early, before 2026, increased by 5% effective January 1.As a reminder, benefits from the UAPF are paid in accordance with the Methodology for Calculating Pension Benefits, approved by the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated June 30, 2023. According to this method, payments to citizens retiring are calculated as follows: in the first year of receiving benefits, the amount of pension savings is multiplied by the pension savings payment rate of 6.5% and divided by 12. In subsequent years, the monthly pension benefit is increased by the pension payment indexation rate of 5%. Moreover, the monthly pension benefit from the UAPF is made in an amount of at least 70% of the subsistence minimum (hereinafter referred to as the SM), established for the corresponding financial year by the law on the republican budget (in 2025, the SM is 50,851 tenge).For beneficiaries of certain categories: individuals with permanent disability groups 1 or 2, as well as those who worked in hazardous and dangerous industries, whose savings were formed through compulsory occupational pension contributions for at least sixty months, the Methodology provides for adjustment factors that increase the monthly pension benefit amount. For individuals who meet more than one of the above conditions, the adjustment factor with the highest value is applied.Pension benefits from the UAPF are paid until the pension savings in the individual pension savings account are depleted.What is the employer’s compulsory pension contribution rate in 2026?Effective January 1, 2026, the employer's compulsory pension contribution rate (ECPC) increased to 3.5% of employee income (the ECPC rate increases annually in stages: 1.5% in 2024, 2.5% in 2025, 3.5% in 2026, 4.5% in 2027, and 5% in 2028).As a reminder, effective January 1, 2024, Kazakhstan's funded pension system was supplemented with a new component: employer's compulsory pension contributions (ECPC). According to the adopted amendments, each employer is required to transfer to the UAPF, in addition to the compulsory 10% contribution of employee income, additional contributions from their own funds for the benefit of their employees born after January 1, 1975.The amount from which the ECPC is calculated cannot be less than the minimum wage (MW) or exceed 50 times the MW established for the relevant year. Persons of retirement age, those with permanent disabilities of groups 1 and 2, military personnel, and persons born before January 1, 1975, are exempt from paying the ECPC.        What is a “special tax regime” (STR)? Effective January 1, 2026, in connection with the entry into force of the new Tax Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan and amendments to the Social Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, updated special tax regimes (STRs) were introduced in Kazakhstan: STRs for the self-employed, STRs based on a simplified tax return, and STRs for peasant or farm households (PFHs). These regimes regulate not only the payment of taxes by self-employed citizens but also compulsory pension contributions.What is the purpose of the updated "special tax regimes" (STR)?The implementation of the STR for the self-employed, the STR based on a simplified tax return, and the STR for peasant farms aims to:expand coverage of the pension and social system through the active involvement of the self-employed and micro-businesses;simplify business operations for millions of Kazakhstani citizens;further digitalize tax administration through mobile apps and online platforms.These innovations will enable the accumulation of pension savings, ensure social security for working citizens, and create incentives for them to come out of the shadow economy.5) What types of “special tax regimes” have been introduced? STR for self-employed individuals, including those operating using internet platformsThe STR for the self-employed, which will be implemented starting in 2026, is intended for individuals (Kazakhstan citizens, qandas) who are not individual entrepreneurs (IEs) and do not employ employees. The STR for the self-employed applies to a limited list of activities approved by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.The income limit for self-employed individuals applying the STR for a calendar month must not exceed 300 times the monthly calculation index (MCI) in effect as of January 1 of the relevant financial year (3,600 MCI per year).Self-employed individuals applying this STR independently pay mandatory pension contributions (CPC) and employer mandatory pension contributions (ECPC) on their income.The STR pension contribution rates for the self-employed are:CPC – 1% of income,ECPC – 1% of income.Self-employed individuals will apply this STR using a dedicated mobile app, based on their receipts and other information on income received from other sources. Income recording in areas without a public telecommunications network under the STR for self-employed individuals is maintained using a simple form developed independently by the individual, indicating the date, transaction type, amounts received for each transaction, and the total amount for each day and month.For self-employed individuals applying STR and operating through internet platforms and/or mobile apps for platform employment, the internet platform operator will withhold and transfer CPC and ECPC. STR based on simplified declaration Individual entrepreneurs and legal entities resident in the Republic of Kazakhstan may use the STR based on a simplified tax return, with the exception of taxpayers specified in paragraph 2 of Article 723 of the Tax Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (legal entities in which the shareholding of other legal entities exceeds 25 percent, non-profit organizations, participants in special economic and industrial zones, etc.).The following entities may use the STR based on a simplified tax return under certain conditions:- whose maximum income for the calendar year does not exceed 600,000 times the minimum calculation index (MCI) in effect as of January 1 of the relevant financial year;- those engaged in activities not included in the list established by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan for which the use of the STR based on a simplified tax return is prohibited.The standard contribution rates for STRs based on the simplified declaration are:CPC - 10% of income,ECPC - 3.5% of income in 2026, increasing annually to 5% in 2028. STR for peasant or farm households Peasant farm enterprises (PFEs) may apply the STR for peasant farm enterprises (PFEs) if they own and/or use land plots in Kazakhstan (including secondary land use rights).The selected STR for a PFE is not subject to change during the calendar year, except in cases where the PFE's activities no longer meet the conditions for its application.The STR pension contribution rates for PFEs are:CPC - 10% of income,ECPC - 3.5% of income in 2026, with an annual increase to 5% in 2028.Payment of CPC, ECPC under the STR for the self-employed, STR based on a simplified declaration, and STR for PFEs is due no later than the 25th day of the month following the month in which income is received.  Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/akimat-karakiya/press/news/details/1143751?lang=kk

 By order of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 645, the Standard Regulation on the service group of the state revenue body was approved.According to which, the service group is a visiting team of at least two employees of state revenue bodies, which provides public services and outreach support to taxpayers, including assistance in filling out and filing personal tax returns.A separate category of taxpayers includes:• persons with disabilities of the first or second group;• Persons with diseases for which a period of temporary disability of more than two (2) months may be established;• elderly persons over eighty years of age who need outside care and assistance;• individuals living in remote settlements where there are no public telecommunication networks.Departure of the group is carried out weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.00 to 17.00 hours.You can apply for the arrival of the group through the Unified Contact Center at 1414.Specialists explain the rights of taxpayers, help correctly fill out declarations and accept documents in Kazakh or Russian.Applications are accepted in the presence of the taxpayer, while the service group:• verifies personal identity data;• checks the correctness of filling out the form;• marks the acceptance of documents.All personal data of citizens received by the service group are protected by law and are not subject to disclosure to third parties.In fact, public services "come" to the person. This approach ensures equal access to services for all categories of the population, regardless of age, health status or place of residence Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-akmola/press/news/details/1143739?lang=kk

Abu Dhabi, January 18, 2026 – An international event in the field of children’s fashion – International Kids Fashion Week took place in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of Sheikha Fakhra bint Dhiyab Al Nahyan.The fashion week was organized by Mona Al Mansouri, the first fashion designer of the United Arab Emirates and one of the key figures in the development of international projects in children’s fashion and culture.The event brought together designers and participants from Kazakhstan, the UAE, Russia, India, Morocco, Australia, Zambia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Oman, confirming the status of International Kids Fashion Week as a global cultural and fashion platform.The Kazakh ethnic collection, inspired by national traditions, ornamental patterns, and cultural heritage, attracted great interest from the international audience.Following the runway shows, Kazakh designer Gaukhar Kanatbay was awarded the title of Best Children’s Designer, recognizing her creative approach and successful integration of ethnic motifs into contemporary children’s fashion.In addition, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Abu Dhabi was honored with a special award from the event organizers for its support in facilitating Kazakhstan’s participation, highlighting the important role of diplomatic engagement in promoting cultural and humanitarian cooperation.International Kids Fashion Week once again demonstrated that culture, fashion, and children’s creativity serve as important bridges between nations, fostering international dialogue, mutual understanding, and friendship among countries.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-abudhabi/press/news/details/1143710?lang=kk

The Construction Department of the West Kazakhstan Region in the city of Uralsk is developing a project for a new regional multidisciplinary hospital with a capacity of 550 beds.The future medical center will be located in the Akzhaiyk microdistrict and will combine modern inpatient wards with several specialized departments. The building will consist of three main blocks:- a surgical block, including a cardiology and vascular surgery department with 50 beds;- a therapeutic block;- rehabilitation departments.In addition, a separate day-care hospital with a capacity of 118 beds is planned.The hospital will be equipped with modern medical equipment, and a TRIAGE system will be implemented to separate patient flows into emergency care and planned hospitalization. This will enable prompt medical assistance and efficient use of resources.A helipad for emergency medical evacuation will also be constructed on the premises, significantly reducing patient transport time and increasing the chances of saving lives.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/bko-kurylys/press/news/details/1143627?lang=kk

New Delhi, 16 January 2026 - as part of the 11th Music and Dance Festival held in New Delhi, Kazakh artists delivered a distinguished performance, marking a significant milestone in the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the Kazakhstan and India.Kazakhstan was represented by approximately 68 artists, including the Astana State Academic Philharmony named after Erkegali Rakhmadiev, conducted by Maestro Abzal Mukhitdin, the “Gakku” dance ensemble, as well as the Kazakh Chamber Choir of the Aktobe Regional Philharmony named after Gaziza Zhubanova.A highlight of the festival programme was the joint performances by Kazakh aritsts with Indian musicians - Dr. L.Subramaniam and Kavita Krishnamurti, which vividly demonstrated the creative harmony and mutual respect between the musical traditions of Kazakhstan and India.To the concerts were attended citizens of Kazakhstan who live in India, diplomats of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in India, as well as Kazakh students studying at Indian higher education institutions, creating a special atmosphere of unity and national pride.This cultural initiative stands as a notable example of Kazakh-Indo cultural diplomacy, contributing to the strengthening of mutual understanding between the two nations and enhancing Kazakhstan’s international cultural presence.In addition to the performances in New Delhi, the tour programme of the Kazakh artists continue in other major cities of India, which scheduled in Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-delhi/press/news/details/1143592?lang=kk

Deputy of the Novo-Khairuzovka Electoral District No. 1 R. Zhomartov personally received citizens in the building of the akimat of the rural district of the village of Novo-Khairuzovka.During the reception, the villagers raised a number of topical issues. In particular, the problem of lack of street lighting on S. Seifullin street was noted. It was also shown that in the vicinity of the store and other streets of the village there are wells that are in an open state. This condition poses a serious danger, especially for children, as well as for the adult population.In addition, concerns were expressed about the lack of a playground for children in the village, and the need to build it in order to organize safe and meaningful leisure for children were noted.In addition, the issue of attracting a boxing coach to the village of Novo-Khairuzovka was raised. Because among children and teenagers there are many people who want to do this sport, but due to the lack of a specialist, they have to go to the district center.All issues raised were taken into account and sent to the relevant authorities in accordance with the established procedure.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/maslikhat-ulken-naryn/press/news/details/1143560?lang=kk

The Regional Environmental Summit 2026 (the Summit) will take place in Astana on 22–24 April 2026.The Summit will bring together Central Asian countries to foster a coordinated dialogue on key climate and environmental issues. The thematic program of the Summit will cover support for the climate transition, adaptation and economic resilience to environmental and natural risks, food security and regional ecosystems, sustainable natural resource management, air pollution control and waste management, a just and inclusive regional transition, mechanisms for achieving environmental ambitions, as well as environmental and digital competencies for a sustainable future.The event will be attended by representatives of government authorities from the region, international organizations, development institutions, the scientific community, business, and civil society. Approximately 1,500 delegates are expected to participate.Within the framework of the Summit, an international exhibition of environmental and green technologies, “RES 2026 EXPO,” will be held, aimed at showcasing practical technological and investment solutions in the field of sustainable development.Contacts regarding the Regional Environmental Summit 2026:E-mail: office@caclimate.fundContacts regarding participation in the international exhibition RES 2026 EXPO:E-mail: partnership@res2026expo.kzSource: https://res2026.kz/enSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-hague/press/news/details/1143496?lang=kk

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was one of the first world leaders to receive an official invitation to join the Peace Council, and for Kazakhstan to become one of its founding states. In response, the Head of State sent a letter to the President of the United States expressing sincere gratitude and confirming his agreement to join this new body. The President reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s aspiration to make its own contribution to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East, strengthening interstate trust and global stability.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-geneva/press/news/details/1143504?lang=kk