Rules for paying unemployment benefits to change in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz — Starting in 2027, Kazakhstan will reduce the duration of unemployment benefit payments from six to three months. At the same time, the job search period for the unemployed will be increased from three to 10 days. Minister of Labor and Social Protection Askarbek Ertayev announced this.
According to the minister, the current rules were introduced during the coronavirus pandemic. Before the pandemic, benefits were paid for four months, while three days were allocated for job searching.

"We are now returning to pre-pandemic levels, but instead of four months, the benefit period will now be three months. And instead of three days, individuals will have 10 days to search for work," Ertayev explained during a briefing at the Central Communications Service.

Why the benefit period is being reduced
The head of the Ministry of Labor noted that the changes aim to accelerate the return of the unemployed to permanent employment. According to him, the priority should be job placement assistance rather than long-term reliance on social support.
To achieve this, citizens will be offered job matching services, free training, and placement in subsidized positions.

"Skills, competencies, and employment must take precedence over benefits. This is the priority that will be implemented starting next year," the Labor Minister stated.

Earlier, we explored what happens to benefits and unemployment status after finding a job, whether it is necessary to notify the Employment Center, and whether employers face additional obligations.