Astana, December 27, 2024 – Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu held a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus Constantinos Kombos. During the conversation, the parties discussed the status and prospects of bilateral relations, as well as interaction within the framework of international organizations.Interest in further strengthening of political dialog, trade-economic and investment cooperation between Astana and Nicosia was confirmed.The schedule of events at the highest and high levels in 2025 was also reviewed.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/911174

Astana, December 31, 2024 – First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Akan Rakhmetullin received copies of credentials from the newly appointed Ambassador of the People's Republic of China Han Chunlin.During the meeting, the parties discussed the full range of topical issues of Kazakh-Chinese cooperation, as well as exchanged views on the prospects for its further development.The interlocutors reviewed the schedule of bilateral visits and events at the highest and highest levels planned in 2025. Special attention was paid to the interaction of countries within the framework of multilateral structures.At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to maintain regular contacts between the foreign ministries of the two countries on topical issues of Kazakh-Chinese cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/912533

Astana, December 30, 2024 – A regular meeting of the Consultative and Advisory Body on the Human Dimension Dialogue Platform was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, chaired by the Ambassador-at-Large Alua Nadirkulova.The agenda of the meeting included key issues related to human rights and environmental safety in Kazakhstan.The meeting opened with a report by Zhomart Aliyev, Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of implementing the principles of environmental justice and ensuring sustainable management of natural resources. The report was followed by a discussion in which NGO representatives, journalists, activists, and human rights experts took part. Special attention was placed on ensuring transparency in environmental decision-making and participation of civil society in environmentally significant decision-making processes.At the second stage of the meeting, Botagoz Zhakselekova, Vice Minister of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan, presented a report on the implementation of national indicators for assessing human rights compliance. She noted the importance of adapting international standards to national realities. During the discussion, issues of digitalization of processes, strengthening public control and raising public awareness of human rights were raised. Kazakhstan is among the countries that provide a voluntary report on the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, consistently adhering to a policy of openness to international organizations and commitment to ensuring a high-quality standard of living, respect for human rights, building an inclusive society, developing public institutions and gender equality.Civil society representatives actively participate in the preparation of country reports, including in the implementation of the state’s social policy. Aspects of social protection were one of the main topics raised during the meeting.At the final stage of the meeting, the results of the Advisory Body’s work for 2024 were summarized. Participants discussed plans for 2025 aimed at implementing initiatives to improve ecological culture and respect for human rights.The meeting demonstrated the commitment of Kazakhstan to continue working to strengthen democratic principles and international cooperation in the field of human rights and ecology.The Consultative and Advisory Body on the Human Dimension Dialogue Platform was established in 2013 on the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The platform is an effective tool for facilitating dialogue between the Government and the civil sector. Various topical issues of human rights protection are discussed at the site with the participation of international organizations (UNDP, OHCHR, OSCE, etc.) as observers.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/912539

In the past year, the Foreign Ministry has done extensive work to promote and protect Kazakhstan's interests on the world stage. A number of important international events have been held, and a significant contribution has been made to the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening Kazakhstan's role as a reliable partner in addressing global challenges.41 heads of state and government, 4 heads and high representatives of leading international organizations, and 7 heads of parliaments have visited Kazakhstan within the framework of international forums.24 foreign trips of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev were organized and conducted, including state and official visits, as well as his participation in international forums.Murat Nurtleu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, made 35 trips abroad, covering key countries and regions such as Russia, China, the USA, Austria, Italy, Luxembourg, Croatia, Switzerland, Malta and others, held 205 meetings (including 48 with business circles and 16 telephone conversations) participated in 23 international forums. 30 heads of foreign ministries of foreign states and international organizations visited our country.Kazakhstan's successful chairmanship in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building Measures in Asia (CICA), the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia (CCGCA) and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) have become important steps for to further strengthen the country's international influence.A significant result of the work on expanding the regulatory framework with foreign countries was the signing of 67 international treaties.One of the main priorities of Kazakh diplomacy remains the protection of the rights and interests of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan abroad. In 2024, 36 of our citizens were promptly evacuated from areas of natural disasters and conflicts.Active work continued to improve the status of the Kazakh passport. This year, 15 agreements were signed that exempt holders of various types of Kazakhstani passports from visa requirements in a number of countries. This made it possible to raise Kazakhstan in the ranking of world passports, and at the moment our passport ranks 53rd in the Global Passport Index.An equally important area is the expansion of the geography of Kazakhstan's diplomatic and consular presence abroad. Currently, 121 foreign institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan operate in 80 countries around the world.The past year has been a breakthrough year for Kazakhstan's cooperation with the Central Asian states. An important achievement in this direction was the signing of a number of strategically significant agreements, which became the basis for deepening multilateral cooperation in various fields. Agreements on allied relations have been signed with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The 1st meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council was held with Uzbekistan for the first time and a 10-year Program of strategic partnership and Alliance was signed. A declaration and a comprehensive program on strengthening friendship and deepening a multifaceted strategic partnership for 2025-2027 were signed with Turkmenistan.A confidential political dialogue with Russia was maintained. In 2024, there was a high dynamic of high-level contacts, as well as interaction between the parliaments, governments and foreign ministries of Kazakhstan and Russia, reflecting the strategic nature of bilateral relations.An important event was the state visit of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.Putin's visit to Astana, as well as the holding of the XX Forum of Interregional Cooperation. As a result of the visit, more than 20 agreements were signed covering a wide range of economic and political issues. In total, Kazakhstan and Russia are implementing 143 joint projects totaling $33 billion, which highlights the high level of mutual investment and strategic partnership between the two countries.Mutual visits at the highest and highest levels with Belarus have contributed to strengthening cooperation in the political, trade and economic spheres.Peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia were held in Almaty. This step has become a significant contribution to maintaining peace and stability in the region, demonstrating Kazakhstan's active role in resolving international conflicts.The visit of the Head of State to China, as well as the return state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, have become important stages in the development of the eternal comprehensive strategic partnership with Beijing. Intensive contacts at all levels have led to the signing of 40 bilateral agreements.145 joint projects worth a total of $38 billion are currently being implemented between the two countries. These projects cover various fields, including energy, infrastructure, trade, and innovation.An active political dialogue continued with the leadership of the United States. The visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs M.Nurtleu to Washington became an important stage, where he held talks with the US Secretary of State E. Blinken. Due to the high level of mutual understanding at the highest level, the 6th meeting of the Extended Strategic Partnership Commission was held, as well as the first B5+1 business forum in Almaty. In addition, the 15th meeting of the Council of the United States-Central Asian Framework Agreement on Trade and Investment (TIFA) was held in our country.Our President's regular contacts with the heads of leading European countries and top officials of the European Union have helped bring bilateral cooperation to a qualitatively new level. The Head of State's visits to Hungary, Italy, France and Serbia were organized, as well as meetings in Astana with the leaders of Germany and the Netherlands.During the Head of State's state visit to Paris, 36 contracts worth $2.2 billion were signed. The talks with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and Riyadh contributed to the deepening of the strategic partnership between Astana and Paris.An agreement on strategic partnership and cooperation has been signed with the UK. Overall, business agreements worth more than $10 billion have been concluded with European countries.The development of cooperation with the States of the Global South has progressed significantly. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's visits to Singapore and Mongolia were organized, as well as talks with the leaders of Guinea-Bissau, Iran, the Republic of Korea, Congo, Malaysia and Pakistan.The President of Kazakhstan's visits and negotiations with the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, as well as with representatives of large businesses in the region, contributed to the promotion of the interests of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Middle East. Following the results of the state visit to Qatar, commercial agreements worth more than $ 20 billion were signed. Intergovernmental cooperation with Doha has been brought to the level of a long-term strategic partnership.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan traditionally pays special attention to economic diplomacy and attracting foreign investment, as well as promoting domestic products in foreign markets and establishing reliable business relationships with new partners.A meeting of the Council of Foreign Investors was held under the chairmanship of the Head of State, as well as the Kazakhstan Global Investment Roundtable, on the sidelines of which 31 contracts worth $7 billion were signed.According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Kazakhstan attracted investments worth $15.7 billion in 2024 (an increase of 88%). Our country accounts for 63% of all attracted investments in North and Central Asia. It was important for investors that the credit rating of the Republic of Kazakhstan was upgraded to Baa1 (stable) by Moody's in 2024.All of the above is just part of the extensive and painstaking work carried out by the staff of the diplomatic service of Kazakhstan, aimed at protecting the rights and interests of our citizens, preserving and strengthening friendly, partnership and mutually beneficial relations in all geographical areas.Summing up the results of the year, it should be noted that Kazakhstan will continue to consistently defend the principles of the UN Charter, international law, as well as equality and democracy in international relations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/912690

Astana, January 5, 2024 – Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu received the President of the Turkic Investment Fund Bagdad Amreyev.During the meeting, the head of the Fund presented the results of work for 2024, noting the successful launch of operational activities of the Organization. Special attention was paid to the plans for 2025, which include expansion of the project portfolio, development of infrastructural and economic ties, as well as support for small and medium enterprises in Turkic countries.Minister Nurtleu emphasized the importance of the Fund's activities as a key instrument to promote sustainable development and economic cooperation within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/913372

Astana, January 6, 2025 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Ermukhambet Konuspayev held a meeting with the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) Askhat Orazbai.During the meeting, the parties discussed the results of the first year of Kazakhstan's presidency, the work of the Executive Committee, as well as topical issues on the Organization's agenda.The important role of the Fund in regulating the water management, water-energy and environmental aspects of the regional development of the countries of the Aral Sea basin was emphasized.The parties agreed to continue to make every effort to facilitate the early completion of the Organization's improvement process, as well as to actively cooperate to address the tasks and instructions of the heads of state following the IFAS Summit held in Dushanbe in September 2023.The Chairman of the Executive Committee, in turn, informed about the progress in promoting the priorities of Kazakhstan's chairmanship, the implementation of regional environmental projects and programs, as well as the expansion of IFAS's international relations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/913996

As of December 24, 2024, 13,423 citizens have been assigned a special social payment (hereinafter referred to as the CER) for people who have worked in harmful working conditions for a long time. A total of 14,195 people applied for an appointment.3,201 people applied for special social security payments from 2 sources (the republican budget and the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund), of which 3,087 recipients were appointed.10,994 people applied for appointments from 4 sources (the republican budget, the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund, the employer and the life insurance company), of which 10,336 recipients were appointed.In addition, 240 citizens are awaiting the conclusion of a pre-retirement annuity agreement with insurance companies, and another 138 citizens did not respond to an SMS message. 394 applicants for the CER were denied its appointment due to non-compliance with the mandatory conditions.By region, the largest number of applicants for a special payment was registered in Karaganda (2 sources – 546 people, 4 sources – 1,926 people), Kostanay (2 sources – 343 people, 4 sources – 1,172 people) and East Kazakhstan (2 sources - 287 people, 4 sources – 1,204 people). areas.As previously reported, starting from January 1, 2024, Kazakhstan has introduced a special social payment for people who have worked in harmful working conditions for a long time.Mandatory conditions for the appointment of CERS are reaching the age of 55 and the availability of occupational pension contributions to the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund (hereinafter – UAPF) for at least 7 years. The payment is made before retirement age. To receive a special security payment, you need to leave a job with harmful working conditions. Employees can transfer to light work, then they will receive a salary and payment, or go on vacation and receive a special social security payment until retirement.Taking into account the mandatory conditions for the appointment of CERS, according to the UAPF, more than 37 thousand employees could apply for it in 2024, the average amount of payment in general is more than 208 thousand tenge. The amount of payment for each employee depends on the savings in the UAPF.According to the Social Code, employers transfer mandatory occupational pension contributions for employees whose professions and activities are included in the List of Industries, jobs, and Professions of employees engaged in work with harmful working conditions, numbering more than 2.3 thousand positions. Thus, a special social security payment is due to Kazakhstanis working in 17 sectors of the economy, including mining and manufacturing and others.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/909671

Experts from the Forecasting and Research Department of the Center for Human Resources Development JSC (hereinafter – CRRT) have prepared a demographic forecast based on fertility, mortality and migration rates. According to the analysis, by 2030, the urban population of Kazakhstan will increase by 13%, reaching 14 million people, and by 2050 it will grow by 57%, reaching 19.3 million. At the same time, the rural population will increase by only 1% to 7.7 million people by 2030, and by about 9% to 8.2 million people by 2050.Dmitry Shumekov, Director of the Department of Forecasting and Research at CRTR, described in detail how the demographic forecast is formed."It is developed on the basis of 2401 scenarios, which are divided into two categories – basic and analytical. The main one includes 7 unified scenarios – basic, as well as high and low, which in turn are divided into weak (5% change compared to 2023), moderate (10% change) and strong (15% change) options.The analytical category includes all other scenarios that are of more interest to analysts and modeling," he shared.According to the forecast, by 2030, under the baseline scenario, the urban population will grow the most in Astana – by 538.3 thousand people, or by 39%, to 1.9 million people, in Almaty – by 469.3 thousand people, or by 21%, to 2 million 664 thousand people, in Shymkent – by 209.6 thousand people, or by 17%, to 1 million 416 thousand people. At the same time, the population of the three megacities will make up 43% of the total urban population, and by 2050 this figure will increase to 51%.In addition, regionally, the urban population will grow by 79.2 thousand people in the Mangystau region, by 70.3 thousand people in Aktobe, and by 62.4 thousand people in Turkestan. At the same time, the urban population may decrease in the East Kazakhstan, North Kazakhstan and Pavlodar regions.The growth of the rural population by 2030 compared to 2023 is expected only in five regions: in the Almaty region by 140.8 thousand people, in Turkestan by 94.7 thousand people, in Mangystau by 58.1 thousand people, in Kyzylorda by 26 thousand people and in Atyrau by 21.5 thousand people.By 2030, the most significant decrease in the rural population is projected in Kostanay region, Abai region and North Kazakhstan region, where the reduction will amount to 37.1 thousand, 35.2 thousand and 33.8 thousand people, respectively.By 2050, according to the calculations of CRTR analysts, under the basic forecast, the Mangystau region will become the leader in urban population growth, excluding megacities. 736.6 thousand people will live in the cities of the region, which is 384 thousand, or 2.1 times more than in 2023. In the Turkestan region, the increase will amount to 355 thousand people, which corresponds to an increase of 1.7 times to 878.7 thousand people. In Aktobe region, the number of urban residents will grow to 1 million people – by 307 thousand people (+44% by 2023). A decrease in the number of citizens is projected in Pavlodar, East Kazakhstan and North Kazakhstan regions, a decrease of 7%, 6% and 5%, respectively.The rural population will grow in the southern and western regions of Kazakhstan. In the Almaty region, the growth will amount to 658 thousand people to the level of 1 million 931 thousand people, which is 52% more than in 2023. In the Turkestan region, the rural population will grow by 495.2 thousand people to a level of 2 million 102 thousand people. In the Mangystau region, the rural population in 2050 may reach 709 thousand people, which is 284.7 thousand more than in 2023.The largest decrease in the number of rural residents is expected in Kostanay region – by 163.6 thousand people, to a level of 151.7 thousand people, which is 52% less than in 2023. In the Abai region, the reduction will amount to 149.6 thousand people to 87.6 thousand people. In the North Kazakhstan region, the decrease in the rural population by 2050 will amount to 141.6 thousand people to a level of 131.3 thousand people.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/910441

Olzhas Anafin, Vice Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, spoke at a press conference at the Central Communications Service under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan about social protection measures for low-income citizens and new approaches to targeted social assistance (hereinafter referred to as TSA), introduced from 2025.At the beginning of his speech, the Vice Minister noted that families with an average per capita income below the poverty line are provided with TSA, which is aimed at providing comprehensive support to bring citizens out of a difficult life situation.The TSA provides for:- quarterly assignment of a cash payment, which is provided on an unconditional and conditional basis. Unconditional assistance is provided to families without able–bodied members, and conditional assistance is provided to families with at least one able-bodied member who can find a job.;- measures to promote employment. A social contract is signed with the family for the entire period of the TSA appointment. Termination of the contract is the basis for termination of social assistance payments and refusal to appoint a TSA in the next 6 months.;- provision of monthly additional payments to children from low-income families aged 1 to 6 years inclusive in the amount of 1.5 MCI (5,538 tenge) per child.As of December 1, 2024, 411.3 thousand people from 77.6 thousand families in the amount of 36.2 billion tenge were appointed as TSA. An additional payment was made to 128.8 thousand preschool children from among the recipients of the TSA in the amount of 5 billion tenge."55% of all recipients live in urban areas, and 45% in rural areas. By region, the largest number of TSA recipients is noted in the Turkestan region – 20.3%, Shymkent – 11.3%, Kyzylorda – 8.2%, Almaty – 7.9%, Zhambyl – 7.5% regions and Zhetysu region - 7%. These regions account for 62.2% of all recipients.In terms of social statuses, children account for the largest number of TSA recipients – 273.9 thousand people, or 66.6%. Also among the recipients are people who had a job at the time of application – 14.3%, people who care for children, people with disabilities, the elderly – 12.2%, students – 3.9%, unemployed – 1.4% and other categories – 1.6%," Olzhas Anafin informed.The Vice Minister stressed that the main goal of the TSA is to lift low-income families out of poverty by motivating them to work and involving able-bodied citizens in employment promotion measures."This year, 59.4 thousand people out of 97.6 thousand able–bodied TSA recipients have jobs, 32.5 thousand people are engaged in care, 5.7 thousand are unemployed.Thanks to the introduction of the social contract, 16 thousand able-bodied people are involved in active employment promotion measures, of which 11.2 thousand people, or 70%, were employed in permanent jobs; 3.5 thousand people, or 22%, were provided with temporary employment measures; 426 people (2.5%) received grants for the development of entrepreneurial initiatives; 300 people (1.9% They are aimed at advanced training, retraining and retraining courses," Olzhas Anafin said.As a result of the measures taken to provide comprehensive support to low-income families in 2023, 54.3 thousand people from among the recipients of the TSA in the previous year came out of poverty. This year, the number of people who have emerged from poverty has reached 52.5 thousand."As you know, in 2023, the Digital Family Map (hereinafter referred to as the CCC) was launched, which determines the level of well–being of Kazakhstani families based on 84 parameters. Based on the data from the CCC, government agencies and akims can analyze the situation in the regions to develop programs for socio-economic development.This year, the akim's KPI has been implemented to reduce the number of families that are classified into categories D and E according to the indicators of the level of social well-being in the CCC. Akims, together with interested government agencies, are taking measures to transfer families from crisis and emergency categories to more prosperous ones. As of December 17 this year, the number of this contingent decreased by 15%," the Vice Minister noted.He also said that in accordance with the Social Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, from January 1, 2025, the poverty line for the appointment of TSA will be determined from the median income of the population."The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, together with the Bureau of National Statistics, calculated the size of the quarterly median income according to the CCC. According to their results, the poverty line was set at 35% of the median income, but not below the current level, that is, 70% of the regional subsistence level.It is important to emphasize that the introduction of median income in determining the poverty line will not lead to a reduction in the amount of targeted social assistance. Moreover, it is expected that the number of TSA recipients will increase by 755 families, or over 3.8 thousand people," said Olzhas Anafin.The Vice Minister added that in 2025, the digitization of the activities of precinct commissions will also be carried out, which issue conclusions on the need for families to provide TSA based on surveys of the financial situation. The FSM Social mobile application has been developed for these commissions. Its advantages are: determination of geolocation (the real geographical location of the applicant); prompt decision-making and simplification of the procedure for issuing an opinion; exclusion of a formal approach when conducting an examination and making a decision. The mobile application has been tested in a pilot mode in Konaev, Almaty region. Starting from January 2025, it is planned to introduce FSM Social throughout the country.He also recalled that on February 7 this year, at an expanded Government meeting, the Head of State instructed to take measures to improve the mechanism for providing social assistance to the population, taking into account the determination of the total incomes and expenses of really needy citizens. "In pursuance of this instruction, amendments to the Social Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan have been developed, which have been sent to the Government for consideration. When appointing a TSA, it is proposed to take into account the following types of expenses of citizens: purchase of a home and (or) a car in ownership; registration of bank loans and (or) microcredits, with the exception of a mortgage loan in the amount of more than one subsistence minimum per family member per month; availability of spending transactions on the bank accounts of a person (family), collectively exceeding the poverty line for each family member per month; the presence of a savings deposit, a deposit of more than 200 MCI per family, with the exception of a mortgage deposit.Starting from January 1, 2025, it is planned to launch a pilot project to test the mechanism for accounting expenses of citizens applying for TSA, with their consent," Olzhas Anafin informed.The Vice Minister also spoke about the algorithm for obtaining information on income and expenses of citizens from second-tier banks when appointing TSA."The applicant, applying to the authorized body for obtaining the TSA, submits an application for participation in the pilot project. After that, an SMS notification is sent to all adult members of the applicant's family to their personal phone numbers from the number 1414, to which they must respond within one business day.Collection of information on cash flow is carried out only after obtaining consent from the applicant and his family members through the information systems of government agencies and second-tier banks in an aggregated form. If the availability of spending transactions on bank accounts does not exceed the poverty line, the TSA is assigned in accordance with current legislation," he explained.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/910809

In order to ensure the legitimate rights of persons with disabilities and create an accessible environment for them, 771 social infrastructure facilities have been fully adapted in the field of Housing and communal services.The National Plan for Ensuring the Rights and Improving the Quality of Life of Persons with Disabilities in the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2025, the Roadmap of the Amanat Party for 2023-2027 and the Halyken Birge project, developed on behalf of the Head of State, are currently being implemented.The Roadmap of the Amanat party in the period from 2023 to 2027 provides for the adaptation of more than 40 thousand objects included in the Interactive Accessibility Map (hereinafter referred to as the Map). 20% of the facilities are subject to adaptation annually.Thus, in 2023 – 20% of the objects on the Map, in 2024 – 40%, in 2025 – 60%, in 2026 – 80%, in 2027 – 100%. Currently, 22,166 facilities have been fully adapted across the country.By the end of this year, 448 facilities are planned to be adapted in the field of Housing and Communal Services, the plan has been exceeded by the region, and adaptation has been carried out at 771 facilities.Thus, out of 771 facilities in the region, all categories of people with disabilities are accessible:- healthcare facilities – 119;- educational facilities – 416;- cultural objects – 85;- trade and service facilities – 8;- State and quasi–state organizations - 90;- sports facilities – 20;- transport infrastructure facilities – 2;- social protection facilities – 11;- others – 20."Access conditions for people with disabilities are getting better every year. I use a wheelchair, and I come to the first city polyclinic every day for bandages and catheter changes. This clinic used to have an elevator, but it was very uncomfortable, narrow, and small. Now a more spacious one has been installed – any wheelchair can enter and leave on its own. New tactile tracks were created for blind people, and billboards were installed for people with hearing impairments. The clinic also has four wheelchairs for those who cannot move independently due to an injury.There have also been changes in the city, including the adaptation of the Kaspiy Bank branch building – a new elevator has been installed at the request of people with disabilities. Almost all government institutions, medical institutions, educational institutions, kindergartens, sports facilities have access for people with disabilities for all categories," said Nurbek Turganov, who has a disability of the first group. In addition, this year, within the framework of state control, the Department of the Committee for Regulation and Control in the Field of Social Protection in the field of Housing and Communal Services conducted 137 inspections of social infrastructure facilities in the fields of public administration, healthcare, social protection, culture, private entrepreneurship, trade, etc. Of these: 29 – as part of preventive control, 39 – unscheduled inspections, 69 – at the request of the prosecutor's office.As a result of the inspections, 60 orders were issued to eliminate the identified violations, 76 administrative fines were imposed in the amount of over 10.4 million tenge.It should be emphasized that when carrying out preventive control, the owners of facilities are given only instructions on their elimination without bringing them to administrative responsibility. In case of non-fulfillment of the order within the prescribed time, a fine is imposed.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/911436

The Law on the Republican budget for 2025-2027 provides for an increase in all types of state benefits and basic pension payments by 6.5% from January 1, 2025, in accordance with the projected inflation rate determined by the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and a solidary pension by 8.5%, i.e. 2% ahead of inflation.In addition, on behalf of the Head of State, starting in 2023, for five years, an annual phased increase in the minimum basic pension to 70% of the subsistence minimum, and the maximum to 120% is being implemented.So, starting from January 1, 2025, the minimum amount of the basic pension will be increased from 65% to 70% of the subsistence minimum, which is 32 360 tenge, the maximum amount – from 105 to 110% of the subsistence minimum, which is 50 851 tenge.For example, a 69-year–old pensioner who retired in 2019 had a pension paid from the budget of 156,856 tenge in 2024, including a basic pension payment of 45,578 tenge and a joint pension of 111,278 tenge. Taking into account the increase from January 1, 2025, the total amount of pension for this pensioner will increase to 171,588 tenge, including the basic pension – 50,851 tenge, solidary pension – 120,737 tenge. It is important to note that these amounts do not include payments from the UAPF.A few examples of an increase in government benefits from January 1, 2025:- the allowance for the birth of 1, 2, 3 children will increase from 140,296 to 149,416 tenge, for the birth of 4 or more children – from 232,596 to 247,716 tenge;- the allowance for large families, the amount of which depends on the number of children, will increase for families with 4 children from 59,183 to 63,030 tenge, with 10 children – from 147,680 to 157,280 tenge;- the allowance for persons with disabilities of group I will increase from 95,496 to 101,702 tenge, group II – from 76,397 to 81,362 tenge, group III – from 52,089 to 55,474 tenge.Payments for loss of breadwinner and disability from the State Social Insurance Fund (hereinafter referred to as the State Social Insurance Fund) will also be increased by 6.5%. These payments are made to participants in the compulsory social insurance system in addition to state benefits from the budget.The amount of payments is individual and depends on: the average monthly income from which social contributions were made to the State Social Insurance Fund over the past 2 years, disability coefficients, the number of dependents, length of service in the compulsory social insurance system and income replacement.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/911461

Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan Svetlana Zhakupova summed up the work of the department in 2024 and congratulated Kazakhstanis on the upcoming 2025, wishing all citizens health, well-being and happiness."Dear Kazakhstanis! The outgoing year 2024 was a very responsible one for our Ministry in terms of implementing the instructions and tasks set by the Head of State and aimed at strengthening social support, improving the quality of life and well-being of Kazakhstanis.Since the beginning of the year, 5.3 trillion tenge has been allocated from the republican budget for social support of the population for 4.5 million recipients of pensions and benefits.On behalf of the Head of State, from January 1, 2024, the minimum amount of the basic pension was increased to 65%, and the maximum amount to 105% of the subsistence minimum.To ensure an adequate level of future pensions for the younger generation of Kazakhstanis, the phased introduction of mandatory pension contributions from employers has begun, which have already been transferred in favor of more than 4.3 million employees.The implementation of a set of measures to promote employment helped reduce the unemployment rate to 4.6%. Since the beginning of the year, more than 936.7 thousand people have been employed, and over 324.8 thousand Kazakhstanis have been covered by additional measures to promote employment in the form of training and career guidance.New digital solutions have been introduced for the effective development of the employment sector. Thus, the Mansap Compassion platform provides an opportunity for school graduates to choose a profession and assess their future career prospects. With the help of the new functionality on the Electronic Labor Exchange, students can find a place for an internship. And the Innovative project Navigator allows you to monitor 755 investment projects, within which it is planned to create 150,000 jobs.In order to increase the level of social protection for people who have been working in harmful working conditions for a long time, a special social payment was introduced on January 1, 2024, on behalf of the Head of State, which was assigned to 13.4 thousand people.Amendments to legislation have been adopted to provide social guarantees for people working in the field of platform employment.Also this year, taking into account the international experience and recommendations of the International Labour Organization, a Methodology for determining the minimum wage has been developed and approved. The size of the minimum wage will be determined using indicators of median wages and labor productivity. This approach allows us to establish a clear relationship between the income of employees and the volume of goods, works and services produced.Another important event this year was the transfer of the labor inspectorate from local executive bodies to the Ministry. A State Labor Inspection Committee with territorial divisions was established, and a vertical and independent system of state control over compliance with labor legislation was established.To ensure safe working conditions and reduce the level of occupational injuries, a new occupational risk assessment system has been introduced at enterprises. A Digital enterprise Map has been launched to monitor working conditions in real time.In order to prevent employers from violating labor laws, a Digital labor Risk Map has been introduced, which monitors more than 93,000 enterprises.As of December 1 of this year, the level of occupational injuries at enterprises in the republic decreased by 2.4% compared to the same period last year.This year, Kazakhstan successfully submitted to the UN the first report on the implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by our republic.As part of the strengthening of social protection for people with disabilities, the social service system is being transformed and the work of special social services centers is being digitized. A pilot project has been launched that has allowed children from four regions to gain access to expensive, innovative technical rehabilitation facilities. More than 22,000 facilities have been adapted for people with disabilities.The Concept of Inclusive Policy until 2030 has been developed and adopted. Its main innovation is the creation of conditions for the transition from a medical and social to a social and human rights model of disability.This year, services for the adaptation and integration of displaced persons and displaced persons in their new place of residence have been scaled up to all regions of the country. These services cover 12.1 thousand people.Amendments to legislation have been adopted providing for the right of displaced persons to receive agricultural land for up to 5 years, as well as a ban on collecting money from accounts to transfer financial assistance.In order to transfer knowledge and improve the skills of Kazakhstani workers, the list of sought-after professions for foreign specialists has been expanded. The Rules for the organization of mentoring of Kazakhstani workers and requirements for employers who attract foreign labor have been approved.A bilateral agreement has been signed with Qatar to protect the rights of Kazakhstanis working abroad.Much more has been done and initiated, of course, with only one goal – to improve the lives of our citizens.Dear Kazakhstanis! I cordially congratulate you on the upcoming year 2025!New Year is a special holiday for each of us. We pin our hopes on him for good changes in our own lives, for the confident development of our country.I would like to thank everyone who has worked responsibly in the past year for the benefit of our motherland. I sincerely wish that the New Year 2025 will be marked by an increase in the quality of life of the population, strengthening the family and spiritual values! To make it a year of goodness and creation for our country.I wish all Kazakhstanis good health, may prosperity, happiness and love, joy and mutual understanding reign in every home!" says Svetlana Zhakupova in her address.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/912178

In general, the republican budget's expenditures on the social and labor sphere in 2025 are provided for in the amount of more than 6 trillion 108 billion tenge, which is 14%, or 748.7 billion tenge more than the expenditures of 2024.97.9% of the planned expenditures, or 5 trillion 982 billion, will be allocated to social payments to citizens. Of these, 4 trillion 262 billion tenge is provided for pension provision, which will cover about 2.5 million pensioners (with an increase in the number of 77.8 thousand), 1 trillion 720 billion tenge – for the payment of all benefits, which will cover about 2.3 million people.The remaining funds will be used to implement measures to promote employment, provide people with disabilities with technical means and rehabilitation services, increase salaries for civil servants, etc.As previously reported, 41 types of social benefits, including basic and solidarity pensions, are currently being paid from the republican budget. In 2024, 5 trillion 261 billion tenge was allocated for the payment of benefits and pensions for 4.5 million people, including 2.4 million pensioners and 2.1 million recipients of state benefits.All obligations assumed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan on social benefits have been fulfilled in a timely manner and in full.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/912910

In pursuance of the instructions of the Head of State, voiced in the Address to the People of Kazakhstan dated September 1, 2021, "Unity of the people and systemic reforms are the solid foundation of the country's prosperity," this year a phased increase in salaries of certain categories of civil servants continued by an average of 20%. The salary increase will affect about 600,000 civil servants working in such specialties as accountants, economists, lawyers, archivists, librarians, museologists, foresters, technical staff and others.Thus, in the period from 2022 to 2025, the salaries of certain categories of civil servants will increase by 2 times.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/913437

Since January 1, 2025, Kazakhstan has introduced licensing of special social services (hereinafter referred to as SSS) in the field of social protection of the population. This will create conditions for improving the quality of their provision and reducing the number of violations in this area.The introduction of licensing is one of the stages of modernization of the system of provision of special social services and is aimed at: improving the quality of services provided; ensuring the safety and protection of the rights of service recipients; establishing uniform standards for organizations providing SSAS.Organizations of all forms of ownership that provide special social services are subject to licensing.One of the main conditions for obtaining a license are defined as: the presence of a building suitable for the provision of SSU that meets sanitary standards and fire safety regulations; the availability of the necessary material and technical base and staff; ensuring accessibility of the building for low-mobility groups of the population, and others.Since October 2024, the territorial departments of the Committee for Regulation and Control in the Field of Social Protection of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan have been conducting a pre-license analysis, together with local executive authorities and NGOs, issues of preparation for licensing of all organizations providing SSAS have been worked out.The license application is submitted through the Social Services Portal (aleumet.egov.kz ).Licensing will create conditions for improving the quality of special social services provided and the effectiveness of social rehabilitation for people with disabilities and other categories of service recipients, as well as help reduce the number of violations in this area.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/913617

Today, Akim of Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov took part in the ceremonial launch of water pipes in several rural settlements. This is an important step in fulfilling the instructions of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan to provide 100% of the rural population with high-quality drinking water by 2025.In 2024, 20.2 billion tenge was allocated for the implementation of 77 water supply projects in the region. Thanks to this, 50 villages have been provided with high-quality water, including 15 villages with centralized water supply and 41 villages through block modules and distribution points for imported water.Construction of water pipes in five settlements has been completed in Kostanay region this year.:Alexandrovka,Moscow,Sadovoe,Enbek,Talapker.As a result, more than 4,500 people gained access to centralized water supply for the first time.Water pipes have also been opened in:the village of Boskol, Karabalyk district,the villages of Atayevka and Bestobe in the Kamystinsky district.The overall effect of the commissioning of these facilities is to provide high—quality drinking water to more than 3,000 people.Kumar Aksakalov noted that work in this direction will continue. Next year, it is planned to connect the villages of Oktyabrskoye and Konstantinovka to the centralized water supply system in Kostanay region. The construction of water pipes in Nechayevka and Ryspaev will also be completed, and construction of a new water supply system will begin in the village of Limannoye."The launch of new water pipes is a significant event for residents, because water in every home is a step towards a comfortable and decent life. We are creating conditions that promote the development of rural areas so that people can stay in their native villages," the head of the region emphasized.At the end of the event, Kumar Irgebayevich congratulated the residents on the upcoming New Year, wishing everyone health, peace and prosperity.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/911713

According to the order of the Akim of the Almaty region, Dimash Abduarsuli Kozhabekov was appointed acting head of the Department of Housing and Communal Services and Landscaping of the Almaty region for 3 months from December 26, 2024.Dimash Abduarsuli was born in 1986 in Almaty. Higher education: in 2009, he graduated from Kazakh National Technical University named after K.I. Satpayev with a degree in electric power engineering, in 2012 — Kazakh National Pedagogical University named after Abai with a degree in law and Fundamentals of Economics, in 2015 — Kokshetau State University named after Sh.Ualikhanov has a degree in law.He started his career as Deputy Chairman of the Youth Affairs Committee of the Kazakh National Pedagogical University named after Abai.Over the years, he worked as an estimate engineer at Kazelectromontazh JSC, a web designer at the Kazakh National Pedagogical Institute named after Abai, a lawyer in the office of the Mayor of Almaty, head of the legal department at Almaty Kalasy Sharuashylyk Baskarmasy LLP, head of the Department of administrative Buildings at the Directorate for the Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty, Deputy Chief Head of the Department of Human Resources, Head of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management of Almaty, Head of the Department of Civil Society in the Committee on Civil Society Affairs of the Ministry of Information and Public Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Deputy Head of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management of Kostanay region, as well as the head of the financial and economic department of the office of the Akim of the Almaty region.Since September 2023, he has held the position of Deputy Head of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management of the Almaty region. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/911541

Since the beginning of last year, 1,462 unused agricultural land plots with a total area of 422.0 thousand hectares have been identified in the Almaty region. This fact underlines the importance of rational use of land resources and the need for enhanced control in this area. On behalf of the Land Resources Management Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, by the end of 2024, it was planned to return unused agricultural land with a total area of 70 thousand hectares to state ownership.In this regard, 89.7 thousand hectares of agricultural land have been returned to state ownership. The plan has been completed by 128.0%. Of these, 74.8 thousand hectares were voluntarily transferred by the owners, which indicates an increase in their responsibility for compliance with the law.Another 14.9 thousand hectares were seized through lawsuits. According to experts, these results became possible thanks to joint work with the Department of Land Management of the Almaty region. Amanzhol Abdrakhmanov, Head of the Department of Land Relations of the Almaty region, noted the importance of continuing this work: “The effective use of each acre of land is a contribution to the food security of the region and the country as a whole. We will continue to systematically work on the return of unused land, so that every hectare benefits our society.” Despite the results achieved, there is still a lot of work ahead. It is planned to strengthen measures to identify abandoned sites, prevent violations of the law and improve the ecological condition of the lands. Effective land use is possible only with close cooperation between government agencies and landowners. In this regard, the region will continue to work on the implementation of new initiatives. It should be recalled that the main task remains to involve agricultural land in circulation, protect natural resources and contribute to the economic development of the country.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/913170

Today, December 26, a ceremonial handover of keys to new residents of an apartment building at 1 Sechenov Street took place in the city of Rudny. The event was attended by the Akim of Kostanay Region Kumar Aksakalov, the Akim of Rudny, the Chairman of the Board of JSC Kazakhstan Housing Company, the General Director of JSC Rudnysokolovstroy, media representatives, as well as residents and guests of the house.The long-awaited keys to new apartments were received by those on the waiting list. These are large families, families raising children with disabilities, single-parent families and employees of budgetary organizations. All of them took advantage of the preferential lending terms of JSC Otbasy Bank and entered into purchase and sale agreements.The new residential building was built by JSC Rudnysokolovstroy. The total area of the house is 3456.14 m², and the total number of apartments is 45. Among them are one-, two-, three- and four-room options.In his speech, Kumar Aksakalov noted that providing citizens with affordable housing is one of the region's priority tasks:"We are doing everything possible so that as many families as possible can improve their housing conditions. Today, those on the waiting list not only received their own square meters, but also confidence in the future. This work will continue next year."The ceremony ended with the presentation of keys and warm congratulations for the new residents, for whom today marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/910079

By the order of the Akim of Kostanay region dated December 24, 2024, in agreement with the Maslikhat of Sarykol district, Marat Lesbekovich Shymyrbekov was appointed to the post of Akim of Sarykol district.Marat Lesbekovich was born in 1973 in Ordabasy district of South Kazakhstan region. He graduated from Shymkent University with a degree in Chemistry and Biology and Peoples' Friendship University of Kazakhstan Engineering and Pedagogical University with a degree in Public and Local Government. Previously, he held the posts of Akim of Zlatoust rural district and Deputy Akim of Sarykol district.By the order of the Akim of Kostanay region dated December 25, 2024, in agreement with the Maslikhat of Kostanay district, Olzhas Zhomartovich Nurgaliev was appointed to the post of Akim of Kostanay district.Olzhas Zhomartovich was born in 1986 in the Kostanay district of the Kostanay region. He graduated from the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University with a degree in International Relations, the Modern Humanitarian Academy and the M. Dulatov Kostanay Engineering and Economics University with a degree in Economics. He has a Master of Science degree in Economics. Previously, he held the position of head of the passenger transport and highways department of the Akimat of the Kostanay region.By the order of the Akim of the Kostanay region dated December 25, 2024, in agreement with the maslikhat of the Dzhangeldy district, Dinmukhanbet Serikovich Bidashev was appointed to the post of Akim of the Dzhangeldy district.Dinmukhanbet Serikovich was born in 1981 in the Dzhangeldy district of the Kostanay region. He graduated from the A. Baitursynov Kostanay State University with a degree in Economics and Management. Previously held the position of Deputy Akim of the Dzhangeldinsky District.All appointed akims have significant experience in public administration and practical knowledge necessary for effective management.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/909507