News
State Revenue Committee Strengthens the Quality of Tax and Customs Audits: Results of the Nationwide Meeting with Regional Offices 05.08.2026
On 3 August 2026, the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan held a nationwide meeting chaired by Vice Minister of Finance Yerzhan Birzhanov. The meeting brought together more than 400 officials from the territorial Departments of State Revenues responsible for tax audits and post-customs audits.The main focus of the meeting was to improve the quality of tax and customs audits, ensure the consistent application of legislation, and protect the rights of compliant taxpayers.Participants reviewed the practice of the Appeals Commission of the Ministry of Finance and the courts in considering complaints against the results of tax audits. Particular attention was paid to the most common errors identified during audits, including both procedural deficiencies and shortcomings in establishing violations that resulted in additional tax assessments. An analysis of such cases will help improve the quality of audits, minimize errors, and ensure the objectivity of decisions made.The meeting also addressed issues related to strengthening the human resource capacity of audit units. In particular, participants proposed additional incentive measures for employees demonstrating high-quality performance, as well as the ongoing organization of training seminars, practical workshops, and professional competitions, including the “Best Auditor” competition.Following the meeting, it was decided to hold such meetings on a regular basis. The Ministry of Finance’s Appeals Department and the State Revenue Committee will continue their joint work on a quarterly analysis of decisions issued by the Appeals Commission and the courts, summarizing identified shortcomings and communicating them to the territorial divisions.This work will contribute to improving the quality of tax and customs administration, ensuring a uniform approach to conducting audits, and strengthening the confidence of citizens and the business community in the activities of the state revenue authorities.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd/press/news/details/1269392?lang=ru
September 11, 2025: “Travel to Mangystau” Featured the Unique Ybykty Sai Canyon 05.08.2026
On September 11, 2025, the latest episode of "Travel to Mangystau" was dedicated to Ybykty Sai, one of the Mangystau Region's most remarkable natural attractions.Although Ybykty Sai has only recently gained wider recognition, it has quickly become known for its distinctive rock formations and spectacular landscape, unlike any other natural monument in the region.The program introduced viewers to the geological features, natural beauty, and tourism potential of Ybykty Sai, highlighting it as one of Mangystau's hidden gems and an increasingly popular destination for nature lovers and travelers.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-tourism/press/news/details/1269378?lang=ru
About the requirements for filling out column 31 of the goods declaration 05.08.2026
The Department of State Revenue for the city of Astana reminds participants of foreign economic activity that the procedure for filling out a declaration for goods is established by the Decision of the Customs Union Commission dated May 20, 2010 No. 257.One of the important columns of the declaration is column 31 "Cargo spaces and description of goods". The information indicated in this column is necessary for the identification and classification of goods, the determination of customs duties and customs control.When filling in the box, it is necessary to indicate the full name of the product, information about the manufacturer (if any), trademark, brand, model, article, technical characteristics and other information that allows you to uniquely identify the product.The Department of Customs Affairs of Astana draws attention to the fact that the completeness and reliability of the information provided contribute to the correct customs clearance. Administrative liability is provided for violation of the procedure for filling out the declaration for goods in accordance with Article 535 of the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Administrative Offenses".Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-astana/press/news/details/1269356?lang=ru
On September 3, 2025, the OCEANMAN QAZAQSTAN 2025 International Open Water Swimming Competition Was Held in Aktau 05.08.2026
On September 3, 2025, the OCEANMAN QAZAQSTAN 2025 international open water swimming competition concluded on the coast of the Caspian Sea in Aktau.The event brought together nearly 500 athletes from across Kazakhstan and many countries around the world. Professional swimmers and amateur participants competed in one of the world's leading open water swimming series.The successful organization of the competition highlighted the Mangystau Region's growing potential for sports tourism and reinforced Aktau's reputation as an attractive destination for hosting major international sporting events.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-tourism/press/news/details/1269344?lang=ru
August 30, 2025: Euronews Published a Feature on Tourism in the Mangystau Region 05.08.2026
On August 30, 2025, the international news platform Euronews published the feature "Walking on Mars: Discover Mangystau's Alien Landscapes, Sacred Sites and Caspian Coast." The article was produced at the initiative of the Mangystau Region Tourism Department as part of its efforts to promote the region to international audiences.The feature highlights Mangystau's extraordinary landscapes, often compared to the surface of Mars. It introduces readers to Bozzhyra Canyon, Kyzylkup (Tiramisu Canyon), the Tuzbair Salt Flat, the Torysh Valley of Balls, and the Senek Sand Dunes.The article also explores the historical and cultural significance of the Beket Ata and Shopan Ata underground mosques, which were added to UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List in 2024.In addition, the publication outlines the region's tourism development strategy, including plans for a modern resort in Kenderli and the construction of a new international airport scheduled to open in early 2026. It also notes that Aktau is served by direct flights from major cities in Kazakhstan as well as from Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Türkiye, Georgia, and the United Arab Emirates.According to the article, more than 462,000 tourists visited the Mangystau Region in 2024, and visitor numbers are expected to continue growing under Kazakhstan's National Tourism Development Strategy for 2025–2029.The Euronews feature marked an important milestone in promoting the Mangystau Region internationally and strengthening its reputation as one of Kazakhstan's most distinctive travel destinations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-tourism/press/news/details/1269339?lang=ru
In 2025, Businessman Emin Agalarov Praised the Tourism Potential of the Mangystau Region 05.08.2026
Renowned businessman and founder of the international Sea Breeze tourism project, Emin Agalarov, shared his impressions of the tourism potential of the Mangystau Region, according to the Public Communications Center.During an interview, Agalarov recalled his recent visit to the region, noting that Mangystau's extraordinary landscapes were captivating even from a helicopter.“The Valley of Balls impressed me the most. Its unique landscape clearly reflects the fact that this area was once the floor of an ancient ocean. It feels almost surreal. We spent the entire day exploring the region by helicopter, and every moment was unforgettable. Mangystau's untouched natural beauty truly amazed me,” said Emin Agalarov.According to Agalarov, Mangystau's distinctive geological formations and pristine landscapes have exceptional potential to attract visitors from around the world.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-tourism/press/news/details/1269323?lang=ru
August 7–17, 2025: Mangystau Athlete Zhanibek Abu-Bakir Became Champion of the 12th World Games 05.08.2026
At the 12th World Games, held in Chengdu, China, from August 7 to 17, 2025, Mangystau athlete Zhanibek Abu-Bakir won the gold medal and became the champion in jiu-jitsu.According to the Sports Committee of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the reigning world champion competed in the under-69 kg weight category and defeated Farid Ben Ali in the final by 12–9.Earlier in the competition, Kazakhstan's Aslan Kanatbek earned a bronze medal in the under-62 kg jiu-jitsu division.Zhanibek Abu-Bakir's victory marked one of Kazakhstan's most notable achievements in the history of the World Games. Before this, Kazakhstan's medalists at the event included Galina Duvanova, who won silver in 2022, and Aizhan Kukuzova, who claimed bronze in 2009.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-tourism/press/news/details/1269328?lang=ru
August 7–8, 2025: Tour Guide Training Seminar Was Held in the Mangystau Region 05.08.2026
A two-day professional training seminar for tour guides was held in the Mangystau Region on August 7–8, 2025, according to the Public Communications Center.The seminar was organized by the Mangystau Region Tourism Department to enhance the professional skills of tour guides and improve the quality of tourism services provided throughout the region.More than 50 participants, including representatives of travel agencies, independent tour guides, visitor center staff, and law enforcement officers, attended the event.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-tourism/press/news/details/1269317?lang=ru
August 7, 2025: “Travel to Mangystau” Highlights the Tuzbair Salt Lake 05.08.2026
The latest episode of "Travel to Mangystau" is dedicated to Tuzbair, the spectacular salt lake located on the western edge of the Ustyurt Plateau.Stretching approximately 20–22 kilometers in length and 5–6 kilometers in width, Tuzbair is renowned for its striking white salt flats and dramatic limestone cliffs facing the Aktau mountain range. The area's highest elevations are known as Karatortkil and Karatobe.The program explores Tuzbair's unique geological landscape, natural beauty, and tourism potential. It also recommends visiting during the second half of April and throughout May, when the steppe is green and temperatures are mild. Autumn is another excellent season for travel, while summer temperatures in the area can reach 45°C (113°F).Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-tourism/press/news/details/1269304?lang=ru
July 28, 2025: Cleanup Campaign Held at the Warm Beach Resort Area as Part of the “Taza Kazakhstan” Initiative 05.08.2026
On July 28, 2025, employees of the Mangystau Region Tourism Department carried out a cleanup campaign at the Warm Beach resort area in Aktau as part of the nationwide "Taza Kazakhstan" environmental initiative.During the campaign, participants cleaned the coastal area and carried out activities aimed at improving the sanitary condition of the popular tourist destination.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-tourism/press/news/details/1269287?lang=ru
A meeting was held with H.E. Mr. Mohammed Almansoori, Deputy Director of the Consular Affairs Department and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates. 05.08.2026
A meeting was held with H.E. Mr. Mohammed Almansoori, Deputy Director of the Consular Affairs Department and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates.During the meeting, the parties discussed consular cooperation and issues related to the protection of the rights of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-dubai/press/news/details/1269284?lang=ru
In 2025, Mangystau's Tourist Attractions Were Featured in Spain's Renowned VIAJAR Magazine 05.08.2026
An article highlighting the tourism attractions of the Mangystau Region was published in VIAJAR, one of Spain's leading travel magazines. The feature was produced in cooperation with the magazine's editorial team and with the support of the Mangystau Region Tourism Department.The special publication introduced European readers to some of the region's most remarkable natural and cultural landmarks, including Bozzhyra Canyon, Sherkala Mountain, the Tuzbair Plateau, the Torysh Valley of Balls, the Caspian Sea coastline, as well as Mangystau's sacred sites and rich cultural heritage.The publication aims to strengthen Mangystau's international tourism profile and inspire more European travelers to discover one of Kazakhstan's most unique destinations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-tourism/press/news/details/1269275?lang=ru
Held a briefing on the implementation of the Law "On Amnesty in Connection with the Adoption of the New Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 05.08.2026
On August 5, 2026, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan held a briefing on the implementation of the Law "On Amnesty in Connection with the Adoption of the New Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan." The briefing was attended by Niyaz Kanatovich Ryspaev, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the Penal Enforcement System of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.During the briefing, Mr. Ryspaev stated that, to date, approximately 10,000 case files related to the application of the amnesty have been submitted to the courts.Of these, around 4,400 were prepared by penal institutions, while more than 6,900 were submitted by probation services. At present, the courts have reviewed more than 1,000 case files. As a result, 620 inmates have been released from penal institutions, 724 individuals under probation supervision have been released from serving the remainder of their sentences, and the prison terms of more than 730 convicted persons have been reduced.In addition, Mr. Ryspaev emphasized that the amnesty does not apply to all categories of convicted persons. In accordance with the law, the amnesty does not extend to individuals convicted of corruption, extremist or terrorist offenses, crimes against the sexual integrity of minors, torture, or those recognized as dangerous or especially dangerous repeat offenders.The implementation of the Law "On Amnesty in Connection with the Adoption of the New Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan" remains under the continuous supervision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Committee of the Penal Enforcement System.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ps/press/news/details/1269259?lang=ru
July 22, 2025: Nearly 70,000 Tourists Visited the Mangystau Region Since the Beginning of the Year 05.08.2026
The tourism industry in the Mangystau Region continues to demonstrate steady growth. From the beginning of 2025 through July 22, nearly 70,000 tourists visited the region.In recent years, the Warm Beach resort area has become increasingly popular among visitors. The region currently offers 33 tourism and recreation facilities serving both domestic and international travelers.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-tourism/press/news/details/1269264?lang=ru
July 18, 2025: Tourism Opportunities Continue to Expand in Mangystau's Warm Beach Resort Areа 05.08.2026
The tourism industry in the Mangystau Region continues to grow steadily. Since the beginning of 2025, nearly 70,000 visitors have traveled to the region, according to the Public Communications Center.In recent years, the Warm Beach resort area has become one of the region's fastest-growing tourism destinations. Mangystau currently offers 33 accommodation and recreation facilities, including 20 in Aktau, two in Zhanaozen, one in the Munaily District, six in the Karakiya District, and four in the Tupkaragan District.According to the Tourism Department, Zhagalau Resort, Rixos Water World Aktau, Tree of Life, and Omir Glamping are among the region's most popular destinations, recognized for their quality services and modern tourism infrastructure.Iranian tourist Parinaz Farjani said she decided to visit Aktau after watching videos about the city on social media.“After seeing videos of Aktau online, we were amazed by its unique landscapes and decided to travel here with several families. Our experience exceeded expectations, and the quality of service was excellent. Visiting the Warm Beach resort area was definitely worthwhile,” she said.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-tourism/press/news/details/1269223?lang=ru
July 18, 2025: “Travel to Mangystau” Highlights the Mars-Like Landscapes of Kyzylkup Canyon 05.08.2026
The latest episode of "Travel to Mangystau" features Kyzylkup Canyon, one of the region's most extraordinary natural attractions.Often referred to as the "Mars of Mangystau," Kyzylkup is renowned for its striking multicolored sedimentary rock formations that resemble the surface of the Red Planet. The canyon stretches approximately 10 kilometers in length and 8 kilometers in width and is situated 268 meters above sea level.The program showcases the canyon's remarkable geological formations and highlights its growing appeal as one of the Mangystau Region's most distinctive tourist destinations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-tourism/press/news/details/1269217?lang=ru
July 5, 2025: Environmental Cleanup Held in Mangystau Ahead of Capital City Day 05.08.2026
On July 5, 2025, ahead of Kazakhstan's Capital City Day celebrated on July 6, employees of the Mangystau Region Tourism Department, together with representatives of the Kettik Mangystau and Mangystau Tour 999 tour operators, took part in an environmental cleanup campaign.The event was organized as part of the nationwide "Taza Kazakhstan" environmental initiative. Participants cleaned the coastal area stretching from the Samal waterfront to the Amphitheater stage in Aktau.The campaign aimed to preserve the cleanliness of public and tourist areas, promote environmental awareness, and encourage both residents and visitors to take greater responsibility for protecting the region's natural environment.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-tourism/press/news/details/1269205?lang=ru
In 2025, Euronews Aired a Special Feature on Tourism in the Mangystau Region 05.08.2026
An exclusive feature on the tourism potential of the Mangystau Region was aired on the international television network Euronews as part of its "Modern Nomads" program.The program highlighted the region's spectacular natural landscapes, rich historical and cultural heritage, and key tourist destinations. It introduced international audiences to Mangystau's unique attractions, distinctive scenery, and cultural identity, showcasing the region as an emerging travel destination.The special feature represents an important milestone in promoting the Mangystau Region on the international tourism stage and raising awareness among global travelers about the region's unique tourism opportunities.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-tourism/press/news/details/1269211?lang=ru
May 27–30, 2025: Press Familiarization Tour for Representatives of Spain's VIAJAR Travel Magazine Held in the Mangystau Regio 05.08.2026
From May 27 to 30, 2025, the Mangystau Region Tourism Department, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, organized a press familiarization tour for representatives of VIAJAR, one of Spain's leading travel magazines and part of the Prensa Ibérica media group.The delegation included journalist Elena Beatriz Ortega Mateos and internationally renowned photographer Gonzalo Martínez Azumendi. During their visit, the Spanish media representatives explored the tourism potential of the Mangystau Region, including its spectacular natural landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage.The itinerary featured visits to the Zhygylgan Depression, the Sultan-Epe and Shakpak-Ata necropolises, Kapamsay Canyon, the Torysh Valley of Balls, the underground mosques of Shopan-Ata, Beket-Ata, and Karaman-Ata, the iconic landscapes of Bozzhyra and Kyzylkup, as well as the city of Aktau and the Caspian Sea coastline.The guests expressed particular appreciation for the region's unique natural beauty, sacred heritage sites, distinctive architecture, and the warm hospitality of the local people.Following the tour, VIAJAR plans to publish a feature article and a photo report in both its print and digital editions. The magazine reaches an audience of more than 7.8 million monthly views.The primary objective of the press tour was to strengthen the international profile of the Mangystau Region and promote it as an emerging destination for ecological and cultural tourism.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-tourism/press/news/details/1269195?lang=ru
A NEW SYSTEM FOR PROTECTING MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE FUNDS FROM UNJUSTIFIED PAYMENTS IS BEING CREATED IN KAZAKHSTAN 05.08.2026
The Social Health Insurance Fund is consistently strengthening its system for protecting mandatory social health insurance funds and transitioning to a new financial control model based on digital traceability, risk-based management, and the prevention of unjustified payments before they are transferred to medical organizations.This work is a key area of implementation for the Fund's Development Strategy until 2030 and Kazakhstan's transition to a new model of public management of healthcare financing.Strengthening Oversight and the Principle of Inevitability of AccountabilityThe incidents currently being investigated by law enforcement agencies primarily relate to previous periods of the system's operation (2024-2025). A significant portion of the materials were uncovered by the Fund itself during audit activities and transferred to law enforcement agencies for procedural decisions.The violations relate to the reporting of medical care not actually provided, falsification of service volumes, fictitious enrollment of individuals, the illegal use of patient personal data, and other schemes for the illegal acquisition of compulsory health insurance funds.In the first half of 2026, the Fund submitted 72 reports of violations totaling 4.5 billion tenge to law enforcement agencies. Following their review, 27 criminal cases were registered, with the estimated damage amounting to 3.7 billion tenge.By comparison, for the entire year of 2025, 73 reports were submitted totaling 630 million tenge, resulting in 8 criminal cases.Moreover, the increase in the number of identified violations does not indicate an increase in abuses, but rather a qualitative strengthening of the Fund's oversight function, the refinement of analytical tools, and the consistent legal assessment of each established fact.The Fund's position remains fundamental and unchanged: every confirmed instance of illegal use of compulsory health insurance funds must receive an objective legal assessment, the perpetrators must be held accountable in accordance with the law, and the damage caused to the state must be compensated.From Detecting Violations to Preventing ThemAlong with strengthening cooperation with law enforcement agencies, the Fund is changing its approach to financial oversight.While previously focused on identifying violations after funds were transferred, the new model aims to prevent them even before payments are made to a medical organization.As part of the Fund's Development Strategy, a unified digital financial oversight ecosystem is being implemented, including the Qalqan IT platform, an automated anti-fraud system, and risk-based data analysis algorithms.New digital tools will enable real-time detection of abnormal volumes of medical care, mass padding, signs of fraudulent provider activity, artificially inflated volumes of services rendered, and other risk scenarios.The patient becomes a full participant in the oversight process.An important element of the new model will be the development of public oversight mechanisms. Every citizen will be able to promptly verify medical services registered in their name and report instances where such care was not actually provided.Such requests will be used as an additional source of risk indicators and taken into account during control activities.A New Model for Protecting Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund FundsGulmira Sabdenbek, Chairperson of the Board of the Social Health Insurance Fund, emphasized that strengthening controls is not a one-time campaign, but a systemic reform of financial management in healthcare."The Fund is changing its very approach to control: from identifying violations after the fact to preventing them. Our goal is to make unjustified payments impossible even before funds are transferred to medical organizations. This will ensure the targeted use of every tenge and strengthen citizens' trust in the Compulsory Medical Insurance system," noted Gulmira Sabdenbek.Currently, contributions and deductions for the Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund are paid for more than 5.5 million working Kazakhstanis. The new control system is designed to ensure that each of them has confidence that Compulsory Medical Insurance funds are allocated exclusively for actual medical care and are used strictly for their intended purpose.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/abay-kurchatov/press/news/details/1269178?lang=ru