The procedure for issuing residence permits in Kazakhstan is being changed. Applicants are now required to know the Kazakh language at a minimum B1 level. Zamon.uz reported on this.
According to DW's report, since April 13th, some foreign citizens who have relocated to the country, including citizens of Russia and Ukraine, as well as ethnic Kazakhs living abroad, have begun receiving rejection notices when applying for residence permits.
Reports have spread among relocants about the introduction of a mandatory language test and that the majority cannot pass it. It is said that while previously an A1 level was required, the requirements have been strengthened in practice.
Officially, these changes have not yet been fully announced. The Almaty migration service did not comment on the situation but stated that relevant consultations are currently being held in Astana.
According to sources, within the framework of innovations in migration policy, the authority to issue residence permits has been transferred to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population.
Furthermore, since February 13th, a "digital assessment" system has been implemented, through which applicants' solvency and reliability are assessed. This system is mandatory for all foreigners, and at the first stage, passing a test in the Kazakh language at the B1 level is required.
In addition, candidates' family composition, education level, work experience, professional skills, health, and the presence of relatives in Kazakhstan will also be studied. As before, priority will be given to specialists important for the country's economy.
According to the new procedure, applications will only be accepted in seven priority regions designated by the government. These include some districts of the Akmola region, and the Abai, East Kazakhstan, Kostanay, Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan, and Ulytau regions. The million-plus cities — Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent — are not included in this list and are effectively closed to those obtaining residence permits.
Additionally, applicants must undergo an interview with local executive bodies. Only those who successfully pass all stages of the assessment system will receive a certificate granting the right to submit documents to the migration service.
As experts emphasize, the new rules will be applied equally to all foreign citizens — including representatives of Central Asian states and citizens of China. Details of the new procedure are expected to be announced in official sources in the coming days.
