IMPACT – HIGH

Kazakhstan has made changes to work permit rules and ended its state of emergency.

Key Points:

  • Applications for initial work-permits, renewals and amendments are now only accepted electronically using these government websites: egov.kz and elicense.kz. Required supporting documents are to be submitted through them as well.
  • Previously, having a job reference from a former employer was required for securing a work permit that was not covered by an intra-company transfer. Now, the new employer is required to provide a confirmation letter showing the employee’s skills and experience match the offered job.
  • Employers are obligated to replace foreign employees with local ones within a period of six months to one year when requesting work permits for fourth-category employees (i.e., employees who are not managers or specialists).
  • Work permit renewal applications are to be submitted no earlier than 60 days before the work permit expiration date. The deadline for renewal application submission is still 30 days before the work permit expiration date.
  • The state of emergency in Kazakhstan ended May 11.
  • Additionally, visas, residence permits and work permits that expired during the state of emergency are valid until July 10. The state of emergency was in effect from March 16 to May 10. Visa-free stay terms have also been extended until July 10.
  • Foreign nationals in Kazakhstan whose documents and stay terms expired during the state of emergency are allowed to leave the country or secure a new residence permit or visa until July 10.
  • Previously announced restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals into the country remain in effect, as do previously issued exceptions.
  • The visa-free travel program for foreign nationals from 57 countries has been suspended until Nov. 1.
  • In accordance with bilateral international agreements, visa-free entry is allowed for foreign nationals from the following countries: Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Ecuador, Georgia, Hong Kong, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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