Kazakhstan to shorten unemployment benefits and extend job search time

From 2027, the period for paying unemployment benefits in Kazakhstan will be cut from six months to three. At the same time, the job search period for unemployed people will be extended from three days to 10 days. Labour and Social Protection Minister Asqarbek Ertayev announced the changes at a briefing. The report was published by Tengrinews.

According to the minister, the current rules were introduced during the coronavirus pandemic. Before the pandemic, benefits were paid for four months, and three days were given for job searching. Ertayev said: “We are now returning to the pre-pandemic level, but instead of four months, the benefit period will be three months. A person will search for a job for 10 days, not three.”

The labour ministry head said the changes aim to help unemployed people return to stable work faster. He said that helping people find jobs should take priority over long-term social support. To do this, Kazakhstanis will be offered suitable vacancies, free training and placement in subsidised jobs. The changes will take effect next year.