On March 28, 2025, was signed an Order which introduces important changes to the current Rules and Conditions for the issuance or renewal of permits to employers for the recruitment of foreign labor and intra-corporate transfer. These changes affect several aspects of migration policy and labor migration, which will undoubtedly affect both employers and foreign workers located in Kazakhstan. FChain Kazakhstan has analyzed these changes and offers you a brief overview of the most critical changes:
Strengthening control through digitalization
As part of the amendments, control over labor migration through digital services has been strengthened. In accordance with the amendments, requirements for mandatory registration of labor contracts with foreigners in the USTLD have been added to simplify monitoring of compliance with labor rights and increase the efficiency of migration processes. In addition, a new information system www.migration.enbek.kz, which is part of the digital system of the Electronic Labor Exchange, was introduced. This system is designed to record and monitor migrants and to provide services for employers and employees. Employers will now be obliged to enter information on concluded labor contracts, as well as on foreign workers who work in Kazakhstan, into this system.
Obligations of employers to search for candidates on the domestic labor market
The legislation now requires employers to perform a mandatory stage of searching for candidates on the domestic labor market before they can apply for permission to hire foreign labor. The employer must submit vacancies to the electronic labor exchange (www.enbek.kz) , and only after 15 calendar days, if no suitable candidates can be found, can an application for hiring foreigners be submitted.
Application process through electronic platforms
One of the key changes is the move to a more digitized application and review process. Employers are now required to apply for a permit or permit renewal through e-government web portals – www.elicense.kz or the www.migration.enbek.kz portal. This significantly speeds up the process and minimizes paperwork, which benefits both employers and government agencies. At the same time, Employers who have received permits to attract foreign labor, enter information on the replacement of foreign workers for Kazakh citizens and attracted foreign labor to the information system www.migration.enbek.kz according to the approved Annex.
Exclusion of the Commission for the issuance of permits for the recruitment of foreign labor force
According to the new Rules, the local executive body within six working days from the moment of registration of the application shall review the documents for compliance with the list of requirements for the provision of public service. Previously, this work was transferred to the Commission, which was created by the local executive body. Thus, the formation and work of a separate Commission is completely excluded.
Conditions for small businesses
Previously, small businesses were completely excluded from the list of subjects that must necessarily comply with the conditions of local content of personnel in the organization.
According to the innovations, small businesses with more than 20 employees will also be obliged to comply with local content conditions, which will make the process of obtaining a permit for small businesses much more complicated.
Requests to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The local executive body, in order to establish the authenticity of the legalization stamp or apostille on educational documents, sends appropriate requests to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, unless another procedure is stipulated by an international treaty or the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
This procedure is an absolute innovation in the field of document authenticity checks.
Conclusion
The adopted amendments will come into force on September 1, 2025. This will allow state authorities and employers to prepare for the new conditions, improve application processes and optimize interaction with foreign workers.
These changes are aimed at improving the regulation of migration policy, increasing transparency in attracting foreign labor and improving interaction between employers and state bodies, which will make Kazakhstan more attractive for foreign specialists and more efficient in using their qualifications.
When applying for a foreign labor permit or C3 work visa, you can count on professional support of our team of international specialists who will help with organization and support in the process of receipt the necessary documents. FChain offers a full range of services for obtaining a foreign labor permit and work visa. Send a service request to almaty@f-chain.com, we will be happy to assist your company in the competent employment of a foreign specialist!
Article is prepared by Sergey Gaidarov and Dinara Kalizharova,
Legal Department of FChain Kazakhstan
21st of April 2025
