The Kazakhstan government has published a new law introducing changes to the work permit rules.
Key Changes
- A work permit can be issued for the purpose of work in multiple regions (or cities) with the approval of the executive body of each additional region. The approval is requested as part of the work permit application process.
- The approval may be given only within the quotas allocated for each relevant region;
- The state fee is to be paid to the budget of each region (under the intra-company transfer procedure, no state fees are collected).
- When calculating the foreign-to-local ratio (which must be at least 70% of local employees belonging to categories 1 and 2 and at least 90% of local employees belonging to categories 3 and 4), the company must also account for any employees engaged under outsourcing contracts.
- The exemption from the foreign-to-local ratio requirement will apply to representative and branch offices of foreign entities employing up to 10 people (previously up to 30 people).
- The processing time for work permit renewal decisions is reduced from three to two business days.
- For intra-company transfer permits, the requirement to submit vacancy reports to the employment centre has been cancelled. Previously, such reports were mandatory, and the work permit application could be accepted no earlier than 15 days after submitting such a report.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
The rules eases procedural and reporting requirements for employers and improves processing times.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.