News and events

Here we post information on our events and latest changes in the migration legislation.

July 14, 2021 | Procedure for entry of foreigners to Kazakhstan

If you are planning a trip to Kazakhstan, please take into account that during the period of quarantine restrictions, there is a special procedure for entering the country.

We have prepared for your attention a brief overview of the main requirements.

July 14, 2021 | Procedure for entry of foreigners to Kazakhstan

What is a temporary residence permit?
Temporary residence permit or TRP is a document that grants a foreigner the right to reside for certain period in the territory of Kazakhstan, depending on the purpose of stay.

Who needs TRP?
TRP is issued to citizens of the CIS and Eurasian Economic Union countries who arrived in Kazakhstan for a period of more than 30 calendar days.

If you plan to stay in the country for less than 30 days, TRP is not required.

For what purposes is TRP issued?

TRP is issued for the following purposes:

labor activity (on the basis of labor contract, patent, work permit)
family reunion
study
business immigrant activity
treatment

For how long is TRP issued?
Temporary residence permit is issued for up to 1 year.

Who is TRP issued by?

TRP is drawn up by the receiving party at the migration service (individual or legal entity).

It is the host party that is responsible for untimely issuance of TRP.

The application for TRP must be accompanied by the original of your passport and document confirming the purpose of your stay.

When carrying out labor activities, this is work permit. For citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union countries – labor contract.

Is TRP required for family members of a foreigner (spouse, children)?
Children under 16 years of age do not need TRP.

Accompanying spouse, as well as children over 16 years old, must apply for TRP. Certificate of marriage / birth certificate of child must also be attached to the application.

Is it necessary to issue TRP upon re-entry?
While leaving the country, according to the rules, you hand over TRP at the time of passing the border control. TRP is terminated.

Next time you enter Kazakhstan, you need to issue TRP again.

What is the difference between temporary residence permit and residence permit?

Residence permit or pink card is a document that grants a foreigner the right to permanently reside in Kazakhstan.

Residence permit is issued for a period of up to 10 years and gives its owner the following opportunities:

freely enter / leave the country without visa / TRP
live in any city of Kazakhstan
carry out labor, business activities without the need to obtain work permit
purchase real estate, transport

TRP does not give such rights and is issued only for temporary residence for up to 1 year.

If you have any questions on this topic, please, order an online consultation on our website.

Issuance of visas at the Aktau airport

From June 7, 2021, foreigners can get a Kazakhstan visa upon arrival at the Aktau airport. Also, visas on arrival are available at the airports of Almaty and Nur-Sultan.

Such visas are issued to citizens of those countries where consulates of the Republic of Kazakhstan are absent. According to the current rules, the following categories of visas can be processed at the airport:

investor A5
business B1-B3
private B10
tourist B12
work C3
as well as A1-A4, B5, B7, B11, B13, C8-C9, C12

For obtaining visa at the airport, the inviting entity should timely process the visa invitation letter for a foreigner at the migration service, as well as pay the state fee for visa issuance. A foreign citizen can pay the state fee independently through POS-terminal using bank card at the airports of Almaty and Nur-Sultan.

PRC certificate when entering Kazakhstan

Decree of the Chief Sanitary Doctor of the Republic of Kazakhstan as of 03.06.2021 amended the procedure for presenting PRC-certificate while arriving in Kazakhstan.

PCR certificate is not required for foreign citizens who have received a full course of vaccination in Kazakhstan . This means that foreigners, for example, with C3 work visa, temporary or permanent residence permit of the RoK, are exempt from presenting PCR certificate if they received the vaccine in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Entry into the country is carried out based on documents confirming receipt of the vaccine (passport or certificate of vaccination).

It should be noted that if the vaccine was obtained outside Kazakhstan, foreigners still require PCR certificate with negative result for Covid-19 in order to arrive in the country.

Resumption of air flights with Poland

Effective June 10, 2021, direct regular air flights with Poland have been resumed by the decision of the Interdepartmental Committee.

Now direct air flights available with 16 countries:

Germany
Netherlands
UAE
South Korea
Turkey
Egypt
Ukraine
Belarus
Russia
Kyrgyzstan
Uzbekistan
Georgia
Sri Lanka
Tajikistan
Montenegro
Poland

Please note that citizens of the mentioned countries do not require the IDC entry permission to arrive in Kazakhstan.

Operational and preventive event "Migrant" is held in Kazakhstan

Please note that from 7 to 16 June 2021, the operational and preventive event "Migrant" is being held in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Event is conducted by the migration service bodies to identify and prevent violations of the migration legislation. For violation of the rules of illegal stay and late departure, liability of foreign citizens and host entities is provided for in accordance with Articles 517-518 of the Administrative offences code.

We remind you that from March 16, 2020 to June 5, 2021, a period of more than a year has been in effect in Kazakhstan during which foreigners with the expired documents were allowed to easily leave the country without being brought to administrative liability.

June 6, 2021 | Business visa of B2 category

For what purposes of travel is B2 visa issued?
A visa is issued for the purpose of:
• installation, repair and maintenance of equipment
• provision of consulting or audit services

For how long is B2 visa issued and how long can you stay in Kazakhstan on a visa?
Single-entry visa is issued for up to 90 days with the right to stay up to 30 days.
Multiple-entry visa is issued for up to 180 days with the right to stay up to 90 days.

June 6, 2021 | Business visa of B2 category

For how long is B2 visa issued and how long can you stay in Kazakhstan on a visa?
If you entered Kazakhstan on a multiple-entry visa, you can stay in the country continuously for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Or, if necessary, enter Kazakhstan for shorter periods during the validity of visa.

Total period of stay of a foreigner for business purposes in the RoK should not exceed 120 calendar days a year*. Over 120 days, we recommend obtaining work permit and work visa C3. According to the rules, you can change the category of B2 visa to work visa without leaving Kazakhstan.
*Appendix 2 to the Government Resolution No. 802 as 15.12.2016

What is required for B2 visa?
To apply for visa, the inviting party must contact the migration service. Main document when applying for a multiple-entry visa is a contract for the performance of work / provision of services.

Such contract must be concluded between the inviting party in Kazakhstan and a foreign company that sends foreign specialists to project in the RoK. Contract is not required when applying for B2 visa for citizens of 48 economically developed and politically stable states.

How long does it take to obtain B2 visa?
Consideration and approval of the visa invitation at the migration service takes on average 5-7 working days. Additionally, 5 working days are required to insert a visa at the RoK consular office in the foreigner's country of residence.

Where can B2 visa be obtained?
Business visa can be obtained at the Kazakhstan consulate in the country of your citizenship. In the absence of a consulate, B2 visa can be obtained upon arrival at the airport.

June 5, 2021 | How can a foreigner legalize his status in Kazakhstan?

On June 5, 2021 the period of permitted departure of foreigners from Kazakhstan without bringing them to administrative liability was expired (according to the Interdepartmental Committee protocol No.21-5/ as of 29.12.2020).

Foreigners with the expired or are about to expire before June 5 documents such as:

passport
visa
- residence permit

temporary residence permit (TRP) are allowed to easily leave the country.

It should be noted that foreigners and host entities will not be brought to administrative liability for violation of the period of stay while leaving the country before June 5.

For convenience, we have prepared answers to the most interesting questions on this topic.

Question:
Will the date June 5 be postponed to a later date as it was last year?

Answer:
Yes, actually the term of permitted departure was postponed several times last year. But taking into account resumption of regular air flights in Kazakhstan and opening of the international borders, extension of permitted departure period is not planned. Therefore, foreigners with the expired travel documents must leave Kazakhstan until June 5.

Question:
Is it possible to stay in Kazakhstan after June 5? What is required to extend a period of stay?

Answer:
If you plan to stay in Kazakhstan for the purpose of employment or family reunion, then on reasonable grounds it would be possible to extend your period of stay. For this, you will be required to apply for C3 work visa, temporary residence permit or C2 reunion family visa to the migration service until June 5. Meanwhile, visa and temporary residence permit are issued regardless requirements for the stated purpose of your visit.

Question:
Will a penalty be imposed on a foreigner if he/she applies for visa or TRP to the migration service before June 5?

Answer:
If you apply for visa or TRP by June 5, the migration service will not call you to administrative liability.

Question:
Can a foreigner apply for exit visa at the migration service before June 5 due to force majeure, delay or cancellation of the flight?

Answer:
According to the current Visa regulations, you can apply for B20 exit visa if you provide the migration service with proof of force majeure, delay or cancellation of the flight. For example, an official letter from the airline.
B20 exit visa is issued for up to 15 days.

Question:
Is it possible to change B20 exit visa to C3 work visa? Or is it necessary to leave the country before expiry of B20 visa?

Answer:
Change of B20 visa category to C3 visa category in Kazakhstan is not regulated by the current Visa rules. Therefore, it is necessary to leave the country before expiry of exit visa.

Question:
What penalty may apply for departure from Kazakhstan after June 5?

Answer:
Administrative offences code specify the following penalties for untimely departure:

June 5, 6, 7 (up to 3 days) – warning
June 8, 9 (from 3 to 5 days) – penalty 10 MCI or 29 170 ₸
June 10, 11, 12, 13 (from 5 to 10 days) – penalty 15 MCI or 43 755 ₸
June 14 (over 10 days) – penalty 25 MCI or 72 925 ₸

For example, you are leaving Kazakhstan on June 8, so in this case, the border control officer will reveal a violation, draw up an administrative protocol and impose a penalty in the amount of 10 MCI (29 170 ₸). At the same time, you can pay a fine within 30 calendar days, for example, upon arrival in your home country.

Topic issues of entry, exit and stay of foreigners in Kazakhstan

On May 20, 2021, we held the webinar «Topical issues of entry, exit and stay of foreigners in Kazakhstan» jointly with EUROBAK association. Representatives of the border service and sanitary and epidemiological control took part in the webinar session.

Below key points of the event:

1. About vaccination passport and PCR certificate

Foreign vaccination passports are not currently recognized in Kazakhstan.

Webinar record | 20.05.2021

PCR certificate is not required for Kazakhstan citizens and KZ residence permit holders who received a full course of vaccination in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Entry into the country is carried out based on the vaccination passport.
Foreign employees with KZ visas (work, investor, business, etc.) who received vaccine in Kazakhstan are not exempt from presenting the PCR certificate while arriving in the RoK.

2. About Ashyq app

Foreign citizen and family members do not need individual identification number to work with the Ashyq app.
Ashyq app is also required to enter the Almaty and Nur-Sultan airport buildings when departing from Kazakhstan.

3. About IDC entry permission

For the duration of the quarantine measures the IDC entry permission is required for a foreigner to arrive in Kazakhstan. the inviting party must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Such permission is issued for single or multiple entry-exit.
IDC permission is not required for citizens of the countries Kazakhstan has resumed direct air flights with. As of 20.05.2021, air flights are open with 15 countries:
Germany
Netherlands
UAE
South Korea
Turkey
Egypt
Ukraine
Belarus

Russia
Kyrgyzstan
Uzbekistan
Georgia
Sri Lanka
Tajikistan
Montenegro

When crossing the border by road, the IDC permission is required (including for each family member).

4. About visa-free regime

Visa-free regime for citizens of 54 countries is suspended until December 31, 2021 by the decision of the Kazakhstan Government.
Citizens of these countries require visa to travel to Kazakhstan. Visa is not required for citizens of those countries which concluded separate bilateral agreements on mutual visa-free travel with Kazakhstan.
Citizens of Turkey, UAE and South Korea can stay in Kazakhstan under visa-free regime for up to 30 days for private, guest and business purposes. Visa will be required if staying beyond 30 days.

5. About crossing border once in 30 days

For KZ residence permit holders and their family members, as well as for foreigners who are family members of KZ citizens, restriction on border crossing once in 30 days applies.
This restriction does not apply to the foreigners with the IDC permission issued for multiple entries-exits, as well as to foreign citizens of the countries Kazakhstan has resumed direct air flights with.

About direct regular air flights

By the decision of the Interdepartmental Committee (IDC):
- since May 14, regular air flights to the Maldives has been suspended
- since May 15, flights with Montenegro have been resumed

At the moment, direct flights have been resumed with 15 countries:

Germany
Netherlands
UAE
South Korea
Turkey
Egypt
Ukraine
Belarus
Russia
Kyrgyzstan
Uzbekistan
Georgia
Sri Lanka
Tajikistan
Montenegro

Please note that citizens of the mentioned countries do not require the IDC entry permission to arrive in Kazakhstan.

About entry of the Indian nationals to KZ

Kindly note that Kazakhstan has taken additional measures to prevent the spread of the Indian strain of coronavirus.

During the last meeting of the Kazakhstan Government, Mr. A.Tsoy, Minister of Health, stated that individuals arriving in Kazakhstan (including via third countries) and visiting India within the last 14 days are subject to home isolation for 14 days irrespective of PCR certificate and vaccination passport.

Currently there is no official ban on entry of the Indian nationals to the RoK. Meanwhile, we assume that until the epidemiological situation in India improves, the border service may refuse to enter the country with reference to Article 48 of the Law on migration of population (immigrant is prohibited from entering the RoK in the interests of ensuring national security, protecting public order and public health).

Visa-free regime

Visa-free regime for citizens of 57 countries is suspended till December 31, 2021 according to the RoK Government Resolution as of 30.04.2021 # 286.

Citizens of the mentioned countries require relevant visa to arrive in the country. Visa is not required for citizens of those countries with which Kazakhstan has separate bilateral agreements on visa-free travel.

IIN of a foreigner: the current procedure for registration

On April 23, 2021, WPK Group and the EUROBAK association held a webinar "IIN of a foreigner: the current procedure for registration".
Since January of this year, applications for the formation of IIN for non-residents of the RoK are considered by the bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The following participants were invited to take part in the webinar:

Aldungarov Askar Amangeldinovich, Head of the External Migration Department of the Migration Service Committee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Webinar record | 23.04.2021

Nesterenko Vladimir Alexandrovich, Deputy Head of the Department of the RSE "Information and Production Center" of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Imashev Didar Kuandykovich, Deputy Head of the Department of the RSE "Information and Production Center" of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan

An application for an IIN can be submitted by a foreigner to the CSC department at the place of his temporary stay in Kazakhstan or online through the E-gov portal. At the same time, the personal presence of a foreigner for submitting documents in the CSC is optional. Documents can be submitted by a representative of a foreigner on the basis of a notarized power of attorney. An application for obtaining an IIN through the E-gov web portal is drawn up by a representative of a foreigner or a receiving party (employer) on the basis of an EDS.

Foreign citizens wishing to receive a vaccine against coronavirus in Kazakhstan must have an IIN. For family members of a foreigner, IIN is issued by the migration service authorities without any restrictions.
Vaccinations are carried out upon presentation of a passport and IIN.
According to the decree of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Republic of Kazakhstan, data on vaccination are registered in the established registration forms, indicating the full name, IIN, address of residence, date of vaccination, etc. All information about the vaccinated is entered into the "Vaccination" medical information system

Residence permit in KZ

We often get the question: will a residence permit be revoked if a foreigner left Kazakhstan during the pandemic and is still outside the country?

In fact, according to the rules, a residence permit can be canceled if a foreigner is out of the country for more than 183 days a year. At the same time, from March 16 to November 1, 2020, migration amnesty was in effect in Kazakhstan.

In particular, during that time, the period of stay of a foreigner outside the country was not taken into account.
Therefore, if a foreigner left Kazakhstan during this period, he/she must keep a record of his absence from November 1, 2020

Migration registration of foreigners

In practice, employers often have a question: is it necessary to notify the migration service about change of residence address of a foreign employee? For example, if an employee travels to other region of Kazakhstan on a business trip?

Procedure for submitting notifications is regulated by the Rules (approved by the order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the RoK as of 27.01.2016, No. 83). According to paragraphs 3 and 6 of the Rules, the host entity notifies the migration service within 3 business days:

upon arrival of a foreigner in Kazakhstan;
when a foreigner changes the place of temporary residence.

Therefore, if a foreign worker travels to another region, the receiving party is required to inform the migration service about this. Notification can be submitted via the Visa immigration portal vmp.gov.kz.

Please note that the notification must be submitted regardless of how long a foreign employee's trip lasts. For example, 1 day or a week. At the same time, upon the employee's return from a business trip, the host entity also notifies the migration service.

Keep in mind: late submission of the notification entails administrative liability of the host entity with further ban on issuing visa invitation letters within 1 year.

We will discuss the issues of the migration registration of foreigners during our seminar on March 17-19 in Almaty.

About resuming direct regular air flights

By the decision of the Interdepartmental Committee (IDC), the list of countries Kazakhstan resumed direct regular air flights with has been increased. At the moment direct flights have been resumed with 15 states. Full list is available here.

This is to remind you that citizens of such countries do not require IDC permission to arrive in Kazakhstan.

Information about local content in personnel

The procedure of attracting foreign specialists to the Republic of Kazakhstan is governed by the Rules and Conditions of Work Permits issuance. One of the mandatory conditions provided for by the rules is that the employer complies with the calculation of the local content in the personnel.

What is local content in personnel?
Local content in personnel is the percentage of the number of foreign and Kazakh personnel.

Where and how is information provided?
The information is provided by the employer to the employment department in the form of the established sample.

The percentage of personnel is determined by the following categories:

1st category – chief heads and their deputies;
2nd category - heads of structural divisions;
3rd category - specialists;
4th category - skilled workers.

What are the conditions of work permit issuance/prolongation?
The Employment Department issues or extends a work permit if the following conditions are met:

The number of Kazakhstan citizens is not less than 70% of the list number of employees from the first and second categories;
The number of Kazakhstan citizens is not less than 90% of the list number of employees from the third and fourth categories.

Citizens of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries are not taken into account in the calculation of the content in the personnel.

Are there any exceptions that do not require compliance with the content in personnel percentage?
The calculation of the percentage content in the personnel does not apply to:

small business entities;
state institutions and state-owned enterprises;
a foreign employee who arrived for self-employment in the Republic of Kazakhstan;
representative offices and branches of foreign legal entities with a maximum of 30 employees;
work permits issued within the framework of quotas for the countries of origin, with which Kazakhstan has ratified international agreements on cooperation in the field of labor migration and social protection of migrant workers.

WPK Group in EUROBAK

We are pleased to announce that since March 2021 WPK Group has become the EUROBAK member.

The European Business Association of Kazakhstan (EUROBAK) is a non-profit organization representing the European business community in Kazakhstan. The Association was formed on the joint initiative of the EU companies operating and investing in Kazakhstan and the Delegation of the European Union in Kazakhstan.

New algorithm for inviting the foreign specialists to Kazakhstan | March, 2021

The Interdepartmental Committee (IDC) has updated the algorithm for inviting the foreign specialists to Kazakhstan during the quarantine restrictions. Visit our website to download the algorithm (RU).

Amendments only affected the actions of akimats and relevant ministries – before submitting proposal to the IDC consideration, they now need to get an approval from the Ministry of Labor on entry of the foreign specialists performing labor activities in Kazakhstan.

Please note that the procedure for the host organization (employer) to invite a foreign specialist remains unchanged.

Temporary residence permit

Temporary residence permit (TRP) is a document issued to foreigners or stateless persons who temporarily stay in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

TRP is issued for the following purposes of stay in the Republic of Kazakhstan: family reunion, work, study, treatment, missionaries, business immigrant.

Who must obtain TRP?
- citizens of the CIS countries who plan to stay in Kazakhstan more than 30 calendar days.
- citizens of the EEU countries (Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan) and citizens of the countries with a different order of stay who plan to stay in Kazakhstan more than 90 calendar days.

What is the process of TRP issuance?
For TRP obtainment the inviting party must apply to the migration service with an application form.

Along with the completed application form it is required to provide the passport original with its copy and the document confirming the purpose of stay. For example, in case of work purpose it is required to provide work permit, for the citizens of the EEU countries – labour or civil law contract.

When accompanied by a spouse and children over the age of 16, they are also required to obtain temporary residence permit, providing their passports with copies, marriage certificate copy for the spouse and birth certificate copy for the child.

Processing time for TRP issuance is one business day.

When it is required to apply for TRP?
The inviting party must obtain TRP within the following period:
- for the citizen of the CIS countries within 30 calendar days from the date of arrival in the Republic of Kazakhstan
- for the citizen of the EEU countries and a country with a different order of stay within 90 calendar days from the date of arrival in the Republic of Kazakhstan

It is required to obtain TRP at each entry of a foreigner to Kazakhstan. When a foreign citizen leaves the territory of Kazakhstan, temporary residence permit ceases to be valid.

Kazakhstan visas holders as well as children under 16 years old are exempt from obtaining TRP.

What is the validity period of temporary residence permit?
TRP is issued for up to one calendar year.

What are the consequences in case of untimely obtainment of TRP?
The inviting party and the foreigner are brought to administrative responsibility under Articles 517 and 518 of the Administrative Offences Code.

Formation of IIN for a foreigner

Since January 1, 2021, the Ministry of Internal Affairs approved changes in the rules for the provision of the state service "Formation of individual identification number for foreigners temporarily staying in the RoK".

Please note that earlier documents for IIN issuance for a foreign employee had to be submitted to the tax committee at the foreigner's place of residence.

According to the adopted changes, application for IIN can be submitted to the State Corporation "Government for Citizens" (Public services center) or via the Egov.kz portal.

The document is forwarded for further execution to the information system of the migration service. After checking the application for correctness, the migration service forms IIN and forwards the relevant data to the Public service center for issuance of the IIN certificate.

State border crossing

Effective February 4, 2021 amendments to the procedure for State border crossing of the RoK have been introduced.

In particular, residence permit holders, including their family members, as well as foreign citizens who are close relatives of the citizens of the RoK (spouse, parents, children), can cross the border of Kazakhstan once in 30 days. The 30-day period for the next entry permit to Kazakhstan starts from the date of last departure of the foreigner from the country. Previously, the limit was once in 90 days.

It is important to note that the restriction on entrance once in 30 days does not apply to:

persons who have received permit from the IDC for multiple entry and exit
citizens of those countries with which Kazakhstan has resumed direct regular flights

Business trips of foreign employees

Existing Rules for issuance of work permits provide for the possibility of sending a foreign employee on a business trip to other regions of Kazakhstan. According to the clause 34 of the Rules, work permit is not subject to transfer and use by other employers and valid only in the region where work permit was initially granted. At the same time, it is allowed to send a foreign employee with work permit on a business trip to other regions of the country.

It should be noted that the secondment duration should not exceed 90 calendar days in total within 1 calendar year. If a foreign employee plans to stay on a business trip for more than 90 days a year, an employer should obtain work permit for the additional region in advance.

We would like to remind you that the host entity is also obliged to notify the migration service about departure of a foreigner to other regions of the RoK or change of temporary residence address. Notification must be submitted within 3 business days and does not depend on the purpose of a foreigner's visit.

Violation entails liability of the inviting party according to the Article 518 of the Administrative Offences Code with further imposition of one-year ban on processing visa invitation letters.

COVID-19: Kazakhstan migration rules 2021

Webinar recording, 14.01.2021

The webinar was attended by:
Aliya Uderbayeva - WPK Group
Anuar Munbayev - WPK Group

Quota for foreign workers in 2021

The Ministry of Labor of the RoK has allocated quota for foreign employees for 2021 among the regions. As from now, the employment departments have started accepting applications for obtainment and extension of work permits.

You may visit our website to get acquainted with the order and fee rates for issuance and renewal of work permits for 2021 (in Russian).

Please note that quota is not required for foreign employees working under exemption without work permit as well as those who are attracted within the intra-corporate transfer.

COVID-19: deadline for departure of foreigners from Kazakhstan has been extended

This is to inform you that the Interdepartmental Committee (IDC) of the Kazakhstan Government has extended the permitted period of departure of foreign citizens until June 5, 2021.

In particular, foreigners with the expired or expiring before June 5 validity period of the following documents are allowed to leave Kazakhstan:

passport
KZ visa
residence permit
temporary residence permit

It is important to note that foreigners will not be called to any administrative liability while leaving the country.

What to do if a foreigner has lost a passport in Kazakhstan?

First of all, it is required to contact the Embassy of the country of citizenship and report the incident.

Then, a statement for the passport loss should be submitted to the City Internal Affairs Department. A certificate of confirmation of the passport loss, received at the City Internal Affairs Department, needs to be sent by express mail to the Embassy of the country of citizenship for further issuance of an Emergency passport.

As soon as the Emergency passport is issued, an exit visa must be arranged at the Migration Service by place of residence. In addition to the application, the certificate issued by the City Internal Affairs Department is to be attached too. On this basis, a foreigner gets a B15 category exit visa. The step with an exit visa is excluded if the foreigner is a citizen of a country with a visa-free regime.

B15 category exit visa allows a foreign citizen to safely leave Kazakhstan and return home.

Thus, if you are a foreign citizen and have lost your passport during your stay in Kazakhstan, you will be able to leave the country after receiving an exit B15 visa.

Entry and stay of the foreign citizens under quarantine restrictions. November 2020

If you are planning a trip to Kazakhstan, kindly get acquainted with the order for entry and stay of the foreign citizens under the quarantine restrictions.

1. Residence permit holders including their family members, and also foreign citizens who are relatives of the Kazakhstan citizens (spouse/parents/children).

If you left Kazakhstan before November 11, you will be able to return to the country after 30 days.

Effective November 11, abovementioned category of foreigners can enter Kazakhstan after 90 days since last departure.

This restriction "1 entry within 90 days" does not apply:
- If you have an entry permit issued by the Interdepartmental Committee;
- If you are a citizen of one of the countries with which Kazakhstan has resumed direct regular air flights.

2. At this moment Kazakhstan resumed direct air flights with 12 countries: Russia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea, Belarus, Netherlands, Germany, UAE, Ukraine, Turkey, Egypt and Georgia.

The citizens of these countries can:
- arrive in Kazakhstan by direct or transit air flight through the mentioned country without obtaining an entry permission of the Interdepartmental Committee;
- visit Kazakhstan under any purpose of stay (work, business trip, tourism).
- travel to Kazakhstan under visa-free regime in case there is a bilateral agreement on visa-free trips between the countries. Otherwise, visa will be required.

3. Citizens of the rest countries are still required to obtain an entry permission of the Interdepartmental Committee. Even with a valid work or business visa, the host entity should apply for such entry permit.

Please pay attention. If you are visiting Kazakhstan with busines purposes (not work), you will be required to apply for an entry permission too.

4. Upon arrival in Kazakhstan, every foreign passenger, including residence permit holders, should have a negative COVID-test with a validity not later than 72 hours before crossing the border. This requirement applies to all types of border crossing. In case of expired COVID-test, a foreigner maybe deported.

All foreign citizens who arrived in Kazakhstan from March 2020 and could not leave the country due to quarantine and lack of air flights, will be allowed to leave Kazakhstan till January 5, 2021. You will not be called to administrative liability for the expired documents when leaving the country (residence permit, visa, passport, etc.).

Kazakhstan is strengthening restrictive measures at the state borders

Interdepartmental Committee of the Kazakhstan Government has adopted a number of the following decisions:

1. Introducing amendments to the procedure for crossing the State border for:

foreigners holding Kazakhstan residence permit, their family members;
foreigners who are family members of citizens of the RoK.

This category of persons can cross the Kazakhstan State border not more than once every 90 days (previously 30 days).

2. Visa-free regime

Extending the suspension of visa-free regime for citizens of 57 countries until May 1, 2021.
Extending the suspension of 72-hour visa-free stay on the territory of Kazakhstan for transit passengers from China and India until January 1, 2021.

3. Air flights from Turkey
Reducing a number of the international flights with Turkey from 33 to 20 per week effective November 9, 2020.

4. Departure of foreign citizens.
Taking into account the limited international air traffic, the Interdepartmental Commission made a decision on October 29:

allow the departure of foreign citizens whose travel documents, visas of the RoK, residence permits in the RoK, temporary residence permits in the RoK have been expired or will expire before January 5, 2021 without bringing to administrative responsibility.

In which cases an employment contract with a foreign employee is not required?

In practice, a labor agreement is not required if a foreign employee:

works as the chief executive of the branch or representative office of the foreign legal entity in Kazakhstan;
is attracted under intra-corporate transfer or in accordance with the paragraph 35 of the Work permit regulations;
temporarily stays in Kazakhstan under business or other purposes that do not involve employment.

When is an employment contract required?

If a foreign employee works in Kazakhstan based on work permit, residence permit or self-employment certificate, then the conclusion of an employment contract will be required in accordance with existing legislation of the RoK. Labor agreement will also be needed when employing citizens from the Eurasian Economic Union member-countries.

Employment contract with a foreign employee should be concluded on general terms and conditions stipulated by the Labor code of the RoK.

Important note: admission of a foreign employee to work without an employment contract entails administrative penalty of an employer in the form of a fine (Article 86 of the Administrative offences code of the RoK).

Updates to the Rules of Kazakhstan border crossing

September 22, 2020

Important information for residence permit holders in Kazakhstan

More information about the residence permit in Kazakhstan - here.

About stay of foreigners in Kazakhstan | September 10, 2020

Yesterday we had an interesting meeting with Deputy Chief of the Migration Police. In our meeting we have discussed the most topical issues related to stay of foreigners in Kazakhstan and issuance of Kazakh visas during the pandemic.

Here is what we have learned:
Visas are still being processed in Kazakhstan. And offices of Migration service are working as usual. However due to quarantine there are certain limitations. For example, visas can be obtained from the embassies abroad only on basis of special permission for entry. In Kazakhstan, visas applications are processed as usual.

Foreigners that are unable to leave the country because of the absence of regular flights can apply for B20 category exit visa. This type of visa is issued for 30 days and, if necessary, can be extended for another 30 days.

Children following their parents coming to Kazakhstan on a work visa are required to get a C3 category visa as a dependent family member. There is no age limit for children on application for a dependent visa. Please, keep in mind that children, even holding a visa, also need a special permission for entry to Kazakhstan.
Next. If you are travelling with two passports - old passport with a valid visa and the new one. In this case, you don't have to transfer your visa – there is no restriction on using your old passport. It can be done, if you wish, but you will have to pay the state fees again.

What to do if you lose your passport?
First thing to do is to contact the nearest embassy and ask if you need a police certificate. It can be obtained in the Police department in the place where you have lost your passport. Your embassy can issue a replacement passport or travel document. After that you will be able to get an exit visa at the Migration service.

In conclusion, if you got your work visa, make sure that your employer receives a special permission to enter Kazakhstan. Such permission is required for border crossing during quarantine. That being said, you don't need entry permission if you are a citizen of one of the countries that have renewed direct flights to Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan border crossing rules for foreign citizens | August 28, 2020

Many questions have been asked about the regulations of entry and exit of foreign nationals during quarantine restrictions

Are foreigners allowed to enter Kazakhstan?
If yes, from which countries?
And what are the requirements?

So, we decided we had to conduct a webinar on conditions for crossing the state border of Kazakhstan. We directed the most topical questions to Oleg Fisenko, Deputy Head of Department of border control.

I would like to point out the most important of them:
1. With specific exceptions, restrictions for entry into Kazakhstan are still in place. In that connection, expatriates as well as business visitors are required to obtain authorization of interdepartmental committee for entry into Kazakhstan.
Such authorization is also required for foreigner's family members entering Kazakhstan on dependent visa.
2. Kazakhstan has renewed regular flights to a number of states – Ukraine, South Korea, Belarus, Netherlands, Germany, United Arab Emirates and Turkey. Authorization of interdepartmental committee is not required for citizens of these countries if they have a valid visa. Particular requirements, however, will have to be taken into account: firstly – they have to fly out of country of citizenship, and secondly – use only direct international flight from country of citizenship.
3. Foreigners who are family members of Kazakh nationals do not need special authorization for entry into Kazakhstan. And this category of foreigners may enter from any country. However, if they travel out of Kazakhstan, they will not be allowed back until 30 days after leaving the country.

4. Foreign nationals who have received authorization of interdepartmental committee, may enter Kazakhstan from any country as well. We would advise to carry the copy of committee's approval when crossing the border control to avoid unexpected obstacles.

In addition, as the representative of border control has mentioned, currently border-crossing procedures are "dynamic", and change rapidly. To stay informed, follow the latest news on official Instagram page of border control and WPK on Facebook.

Brief overview | August 24, 2020

This is a brief overview of Kazakhstan border crossing rules for foreign citizens upon resumption of flights

Memo on crossing the Kazakhstan borderss | August 3, 2020

We have prepared a brief memo on crossing the Kazakhstan borders by foreign nationals during the quarantine period.

About the end of the transition period | June 24, 2020

In the absence of flights and closed borders, many foreign nationals encounter challenges in returning to their countries of citizenship or permanent residence, while validity of visas / visa-free stay has been expired.

The Interdepartmental Commission under the Government of Kazakhstan has granted an additional time period until August 5, 2020, during which foreigners must settle their legal status.

Provision of an additional time period:
• allows foreigners to plan a route and choose air tickets for further departure from the RoK

• gives the right for a foreigner / host entity to apply for B20 exit visa or extension of temporary stay for up to 30 days at the migration service

• exempts foreigners / host entities from administrative liability and sanctions for violation of a period of stay and late departure from the RoK

Foreigners with expired visas or expired period of temporary stay in Kazakhstan, as well as host party (legal entities, individuals) should extend a period of stay or apply for exit visa at the migration service department by August 5, 2020.

5 stages of obtaining a special entry permit to the RoK

The procedure for entry and invitation of the foreign specialists to Kazakhstan has been changed during the quarantine.

We have prepared a brief description of the key stages of the process.

Download PDF

Changes to the Rules

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the RoK approved amendments to the Rules for issuing an application for investor visas in June, 2020.

Read more about the changes here.

About expiry of the transition period

On July 10, 2020 a two-month transition period will end in Kazakhstan during which foreigners should settle their legal status.

What to do if you are unable to leave Kazakhstan due to absence of air flights to your country of citizenship or permanent residence?

If you are staying in the RoK under visa / visa-free regime, you can apply to the migration service for obtaining a B20 exit visa or extending a period of temporary stay for up to 30 days in accordance with the existing migration rules.

Important note: you will still not be subject to administrative sanctions for violation of terms of stay and late departure from the RoK.

About confirmation of qualification of a foreign employee | June 3, 2020

Last month the changes were introduced to the Rules for obtaining work permits. At the present time it is not required to provide employment letters from previous places of work in order to attract a foreign specialist.

How to confirm the work experience of a foreigner?

As of now the employer needs to provide a letter that should confirm the qualification and work experience of a foreign employee correspondingly to the position. This is indicated in Appendix No. 3 to the Rules for obtaining work permits.

Intra-corporate transfer

Important notice. If you attract a foreign employee within the intra-corporate transfer (ICT), the list of documents remains unchanged:

work experience letter;
letters from the sending and host parties confirming the qualification and the professional experience of an employee;
labor contract or agreement / letter for the intra-corporate transfer

New form of reporting on the foreign labor force

In May this year, the Ministry of Labor approved a new form of reporting on the foreign labor force. Form is available on our website - library.

We would like to note that report is provided by an employer to the employment department regardless of whether work permit has been obtained under standard process, as part of intra-corporate transfer or in accordance with paragraph 35 of the Rules for work permits issuance. Deadline for submission is not later than the 30th day of each month.

Failure to provide report entails liability of an employer under article 98 of the Administrative Offences Code (a warning, a fine of 10 MCI for a repeated offence).

About transitional period after ending of a state of emergency

State of emergency was lifted on May 11 in Kazakhstan. During its validity period, all foreign citizens, who are staying in the territory of Kazakhstan and were unable to leave the country in time for reasons beyond their control, have been released from administrative liability for violation of the terms of stay.

We would like to inform you that after ending of the state of emergency the Government has also decided to grant additional time for the period of 2 months, during which all foreigners can settle their legal status.

This means that within the mentioned period foreigners will still not be called to sanctions for violation of their stay and they are free to leave the country until 10 July 2020. Meanwhile, no need to process any exit documents at the migration service.

Next. Foreigners planning to stay in Kazakhstan have the right to replace the expired documents or to extend the period of further stay in Kazakhstan. But this must also be done by July 10, 2020.

In order to extend stay of a foreigner in Kazakhstan, the host entity can file the request with the migration service.

Depending on the purpose, the following grounds may apply for extension of stay:
· work permit
· general power of attorney
· labor agreement
· contract for the services provision
· other documents (labor patent, etc.)

Migration service departments will grant appropriate visas or temporary residence permits.

Please note that after completion of the 2-month period, effective July 11, 2020, foreigners, who have not renewed the period of stay, will bear administrative liability in accordance with current legislation of the RoK.

Resumption of work of the migration service departments

In connection with the end of a state of emergency in Kazakhstan, effective May 13, 2020, the migration service departments have resumed their work in a number of regions, in particular, in Almaty and Nur-Sultan cities.

Acceptance of the applications for issuance / extension of visas in the territory of the RoK, and obtainment of the temporary residence permit has been resumed.

Please note that applications for processing the invitation letters for visa obtainment abroad will not be accepted by the migration service departments till further notice.

In addition, the territorial migration service departments of the Atyrau and Mangistau regions will be closed until the end of the quarantine in these regions.

New rules for issuance of work permits

Please note that the Ministry of Labor has approved amendments to the rules for issuance of work permits.

The changes will come into force on May 1, 2020 and will mainly affect:

replacement of the foreign specialists by the RoK citizens
term for submitting documents for renewal of work permits
employment confirmation of the foreign employees
reporting on the attracted foreign labor force

Detailed overview of the changes is available here.

Medical certificate for a visa

Due to spread of COVID-19, Kazakhstan suspended the unilateral visa-free regime for citizens of 57 countries until November 1, 2020. After opening of the state border, citizens of these countries will need a visa to enter Kazakhstan.

We would like to draw your attention to the important change in the condition for obtaining a Kazakhstan visa.

So, visa will be issued only upon provision of the medical certificate on absence of the coronavirus infection of an applicant. At the same time, this certificate must be issued within 48 hours before applying for the passport with a visa at the consulate.

Temporary suspension of visa-free regime

The Government of the RoK has suspended unilateral visa-free regime for 57 countries till November 1, 2020. Full list of countries is available on our website.

Citizens of these countries will be unable to visit Kazakhstan without visa for up to 30 calendar days for the business, tourist and private purposes. At the same time, foreign nationals have the right to apply for an appropriate visa after ending of a state of emergency in the RoK and opening of the state borders.

The following should be noted:

above restriction does not apply to citizens of those countries which have signed bilateral agreements on visa-free travel of citizens with Kazakhstan, for example, Russia and a number of other countries;
foreign citizens currently staying under visa-free regime in the RoK can leave the country during a state of emergency if there are flights to the countries of their citizenship of permanent residence. Furthermore, the foreigners will not be called to administrative liability for violation of periods of stay and untimely departure from the RoK.

About temporary suspension of work of the Migration service

Due to temporary closure of the public service centers during a state of emergency, the Departments of migration service will temporarily suspend provision of the public services.

As described on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, during a state of emergency the foreigners will not be called to administrative liability for violation of periods of stay and untimely departure from the Republic of Kazakhstan.

After ending of a state of emergency, foreigners who have submitted documents for stay in the country will be issued temporary residence permits or appropriate visas.

What you should know about extension of a period of stay

In connection with the coronavirus pandemic, the President has declared the state of emergency in the Republic of Kazakhstan till April 15, 2020. A number of measures have been implemented, including restriction on entry of foreigners into the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The challenging issue is what to do if you are already in Kazakhstan and whether you can extend your stay in the event of a state of emergency.

We have prepared a brief information. For your convenience, information was divided into 4 groups:

1. Work visa of С3 category
If you are staying in Kazakhstan under work visa of C3 category, your visa validity can be renewed after work permit is extended. As we know, the state authorities continue extension of work permits and visas validity as before.

Please note that the process of work permit renewal shall be initiated not later than 30 calendar days prior to expiry of work permit. C3 work visa prolongation process is carried out not later than 5 business days prior to its expiry.

2. Business visa of В2 category
If you are staying in Kazakhstan under business visas of B2 category, you may extend your period of stay.

According to paragraph 49 of the Rules for issuance of KZ visas, B2 business visa is renewed by the migration service for a period of up to 30 days. Visa prolongation process is carried out not later than 5 business days prior to its expiry.

3. Citizens of 57 visa-free countries
Foreign nationals arriving in Kazakhstan under visa waiver may stay without visa for up to 30 days since entry.

For further stay, you can apply for a single-entry business visa for up to 30 days issued by the migration service (according to paragraph 18 of the Rules for entry and stay of foreigners in the RoK).

4. Citizens of CIS
Extension of stay of the CIS citizens, including Eurasian Economic Union, is carried out by the migration service in accordance with paragraph 6 of the Rules for entry and stay of foreigners in the RoK.

According to this paragraph, when a state of emergency is declared, extension of stay of a foreigner, for example, with private purposes, is carried out for a period required for timely departure but not for more than 90 calendar days.

It is possible to extend period of stay with employment purposes for the duration of the employment contract.

Coronavirus in Kazakhstan: temporary restriction on entry

In connection with the coronavirus pandemic, the President has introduced the state of emergency in the Republic of Kazakhstan starting from March 16, 2020 till April 15, 2020.

During that period, a number of measures have been implemented, including restriction on entry of foreigners into the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

At the same time, as explained on the website of the KZ MFA, this restriction does not apply to foreign nationals who are:

crew members of aircraft and marine vessels;
holders of residence permit on the RoK territory;
family members of the RoK citizens (if family relations are confirmed).

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the WPK consultants.

Corporate seminar for КРО B.V.

On March 12-13, 2020 in Uralsk we hold a second corporate seminar for Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V.

The seminar was dedicated to the issues of quotation and attraction of foreign labor force. WPK consultants presented existing practice of processing work permits via E-license portal, importance of matching the job titles of foreign employees with the positions specified by the qualification reference books.

Tengizchevroil workshop, Atyrau

Aisana Akimbaeva, WPK Atyrau Director, was one of the key speakers at the workshop organized by Tengizchevroil on March 5, 2020.

The event was focused on compliance with labor and migration legislation by the TCO contractors.

WPK is the TCO partner for visa and migration issues since 2019.

Senior work permits and visas consultant, Almaty

We are glad to inform you that Gulmira Nurmukhanova has joined our team in Almaty as Senior work permits and visas consultant.

Gulmira is a professional with 10 years of experience in the migration sphere. For the last 6 years, she worked for KPMG, international consulting company.

Gulmira was involved in the projects of WPK Aktau till 2012.

Training of the International Organization for Migration, Bishkek

On February 25-26, 2020, Aliya Uderbayeva, WPK Projects Manager, was trained at the training of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The training took place in Bishkek, the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, and was dedicated to the rights of migrant workers.

We thank IOM (IOM Central Asia) for the invitation and excellent organization of the training!

WPK Conference, Atyrau

On February 14, 2020 in Atyrau we held a conference on the issues of entry and stay of foreign citizens in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Representatives of Atyrau region companies, as well as employees of the Migration Service Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Border Guard Service and the National Security Committee took part.

During the conference, topical issues were addressed for employers attracting foreign specialists to Kazakhstan.

Corporate seminar for KPO B.V.

On February 10-11, 2020 we held the seminar for the visa section employees of Karachaganak Petroleum Operating in Aksai.

The seminar was focused on the recent amendments to the RoK migration legislation.

We would like to thank all attendees for their active participation!

Meeting with employees of foreign embassies

On February 6, 2020, we held a meeting for employees of embassies of foreign countries. We discussed the changes in the migration rules and the issues that foreign citizens face when they are in Kazakhstan.

We want to highlight 5 main changes that should be taken into account when entering and staying for foreigners in the Republic of Kazakhstan:

registration is not required up to 30 days for all foreigners;
migration card is no longer issued upon arrival;
the period of stay under the visa-free regime should not exceed a total of 90 days within 180 days;
introduced a system of fines for foreigners for violation of migration rules;
only the receiving party is responsible for the notification of the arrival of a foreigner.

The first seminar of 2020

On January 23 we held the first seminar in this year.

The main topic is the January changes in the migration legislation in the Republic of Kazakhstan and their practical implementation.

New infographics

We have updated the infographic on order for entry and stay of foreigners in Kazakhstan considering latest changes.

You can get acquainted with the infographic on our website

What is important to know about cancellation of registration

Kindly pay your attention to a spotlight video on adopted amendments about cancellation of registration of foreigners

Quota 2020

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population of the RoK has allocated quota for attracting foreign labor force in 2020.

Please pay your attention that quota has been decreased in comparison with last year. Mainly for foreign specialists of 3 and 4 categories.

The order on quota allocation is available on our website in the «Library» section.

Global Mobility Conference in London

Global Mobility Conference international conference focused on the management and mobilization of personnel was held on November 21, 2019.

WPK employees took part in the conference, and also held meetings with the British partners: Fragomen, Newland Chase и Seyfarth.

We would like to thank the clients for trust and support, who participated in the Global Mobility Conference with us!

Meetings in Atyrau and Aktau

From the 9th to 17th of September 2019 WPK team held the open meetings in Atyrau and Aktau, dedicated to the issues of entry and stay of the foreigners in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Within the framework of the meetings we share the practical experience, discuss details and recommendations regarding the matters of visa processing and registration of the foreigners at the migration service.

Seminar in Borovoe

On June 27-28, 2019 we held a seminar at the Rixos hotel which is located in the Borovoe resort area.

Meeting of heads of trade and economic departments of EU countries, on July 3, 2019

Anuar Munbayev (Anuar Munbayev) made a speech at the meeting of the heads of trade departments of EU countries. The subject of the speech was review of amendments in the migration legislation of the RoK in 2019.

Such meetings are held regularly and devoted to the questions of business of the foreign companies in Kazakhstan.

Meeting of a round table, on June 20, 2019

We participated in the meeting of the round table devoted to the work of migration services centers.

The Committee of migration service of Ministry of Internal Affairs of RoK acted as the organizer.

We submitted a number of proposals for consideration taking into account difficulties which clients meet. Including the introduction of registration of citizens of the CIS countries on an arrival at the airport, to cancel issue of migration cards for citizens of the above-stated countries at entrance to RoK.

Participation in marathons

We are actively engaged in sporting events, including city marathons.
(photo: Nur-Sultan city, 26.05.2019; Almaty city, 21.04.2019)

WPK staff anniversary

In 2019, our employees Daniyar Ibragimov, Anuar Munbayev and Saida Yazykova celebrated their anniversary - they have been working for WPK for 10 years!

In gratitude and appreciation for the many years of work and devotion to the interests of the company, WPK sent anniversaries on a week-long trip to the Netherlands.

We are sure that such corporate trips of valuable employees will become another good tradition of our company!

Workshop in Almaty

WPK seminar "Visas and registration" was held in Almaty on March 20.

Conference in Almaty

On the 5^th of December, 2018, we jointly with the akimat of Almaty city, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Kazakhstan held a conference "Formation of effective migration policy in the framework of improving the investment climate".

The purpose of the conference was to create a platform for discussion of problematic issues in attracting foreign labor, as well as proposals for their solution.

Participation in the annual conference, London

WPK company has been a partner of Fragomen LLP (UK) for many years. Therefore, we are pleased to respond to the invitation of Fragomen to participate in the annual event Fragomen Relationship Firm Conference, organized specifically for Fragomen partners from Europe and Asia. Issues and proposals on the improving the work of migration service providers have been discussed in the meeting.

This year the WPK company was represented by Meruert Kerimbek. Meruert was sent to London as part of the WPK employee development and promotion plan.

Meruyert Kerimbek - a senior consultant of WPK, Almaty city, 5 years of experience in the area of migration.

Meeting of the Commission regarding of attracting of foreign labor

On November 7, in Almaty held the meeting regarding of attracting of foreign labor.

Daniyar Ibragimov the director of WPK Almaty was actively participating in the meeting with the proposal of simplifying the process of interaction with employers. Including the exclusion of the mandatory requirement the presence of the first head of the company on commission, which attracts a foreign worker.

The representatives of Almaty Akimat agreed and accepted the explanation of the proposal and assured that demand will be cancelled.

In addition, Daniyar proposed to hold a joint conference to discuss current issues of attracting foreign specialists. Such a conference will become a platform for negotiations between employers and authorized bodies. It was decided to hold this event on November 23, 2018 in Almaty.

Read more: https://goo.gl/VGoQtd

Seminar in Atyrau

We hold a seminar «Obtaining/ extension/ reissuance of work permits through e-license portal» on October 29 in Atyrau.

During the seminar we discussed the process details, nuances and recommendations to electronic format applications.

Thanks to all participants for their activity.

Seminar in Aktau

We hold a practical seminar on September 28 in Aktau.

During the seminar we discussed the problematic issues arising at the entry and stay of the foreigners, processing of invitations and visas as well as obtainment of work permits in electronic format.

Thanks to all participants for their activity.

Cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, August 10, 2018

WPK has started cooperation with the Embassy of Japan in the RoK.

This is aimed at supporting new and existing Japanese companies in Kazakhstan.

WPK has been successfully working for many years with the leading Japanese companies in Kazakhstan such as Inpex, Mitsubishi, Marubeni, Sumitomo, Mitsui, Toshiba, Toyota Tsusho, Takeda, etc.

Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Moscow, Russian Federation, April 25, 2018

WPK continues to expand cooperation with diplomatic missions of foreign countries. A meeting was held yesterday at the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Moscow.

Opportunities of our potential collaboration, including on the issues of the consular legalization of documents, representing interests of our clients were discussed during the meeting. The Embassy paid a special attention to the issues related to stay of the Philippine nationals in Kazakhstan.

We express our appreciation to the Vice-Consul Catherine F. Alpay for organizing such an interesting and productive meeting!

Cooperation with the Embassy of India, April 23, 2018

We are pleased to announce the beginning of cooperation with the Embassy of India in the RoK.

In terms of the partnership, WPK employees have passed a training at the consular section of India.

Cooperation gives WPK the opportunity to work with the Embassy efficiently and to represent the interests of clients during visa processing.

Changes to the attracting foreign labor force, April 19, 2018

Please be informed that new amendments (Government Decree №189 dated 13.04.2018) regarding list of foreign residents who do not require work permits were published on 17^th of April, 2018.

Important: CEOs and their deputies in Kazakhstani companies with 100% foreign ownership do not need work permits starting from the date once amendments come into force.

The Decree will come into force starting from 28^th of April.

New fee rates, 2018

New Government resolution on fee rates for issuance and renewal of work permits comes into effect today, April 16. Previous resolution №459 dated August 18, 2016 became invalid.

More about changes in our video.

Entry pass for foreigners to the border area

Earlier we have informed you about necessity to obtain entry pass for foreigners into the border area, in particular for the Chinarevskoye field in the West Kazakhstan region.

Currently issuance of appropriate passes for the foreign employees and visitors is required in order to enter the Karachaganak field, which is also located in the border area.

Please contact a WPK Senior Consultant
Zhuldyz Gabdushova on the questions of obtaining entry passes.
+7 (7122) 27-01-17; +7 (701) 930-51-53; zhuldyz.g@wpk.kz

Police Clearance Certificate

We often encounter the following.
A foreign employee, who worked in Kazakhstan for a long period of time, moved to another country to work. A new employer requires Police Clearance Certificate (for the period of his stay in Kazakhstan) as a part of the document package. The employee sends a request to HR department of the Kazakhstan branch asking to send him/her the certificate as soon as possible.

Actually, the abovementioned certificate may be really required in the following cases:
- for non-citizen (who worked in Kazakhstan) during the procedure of his employment;
- for citizen of Kazakhstan during his/her stay in another country for the reason of work, study, permanent residence or long business trip.

We recommend that the following actions should be taken in order that the certificate is valid:
1. solicit the original of certificate which is issued by authorized body at the General Prosecutor Office.
2. obtain it stamped with apostille or legalization mark (depending on the country of visit) at the Ministry of Justice).

It is also recommended that the certificate is obtained in advance due to the certain period necessary for its issue and apostille.
If the abovementioned has been fulfilled in advance, it can become possible to handle the certificate to the employee before his/her departure abroad.

Seminar in Astana

On January 19, 2018 in Astana we conducted the first in this year seminar on the topic: Visas and registration. Review of existing rules and adopted amendments.

The seminar was attended by representatives of such companies as NCOC, ExxonMobil, Cameco, Fluor, KAZ Minerals, KCOI, etc. Thank you all for your active participation!

Meeting with the Ambassador of Italy in Atyrau

On November 15, 2017 in Atyrau WPK and Embassy of Italy held a business meeting with the representatives of the companies of Atyrau and Mangistau regions.

His Excellency Mr. Stefano Ravagnan, Ambassador of Italy to Kazakhstan, spoke about current practice of issuing visas, answered to the questions of the participants. We would like to share some points mentioned during a meeting:

First entry to the Schengen area should be made through the country of visa issue.
Unused visa is not a violation or a reason for rejection of a visa. It is possible to apply for a new visa explaining the reasons of trip cancellation and non-use of a previous visa.
Change of the hotel after getting visa does not entail any consequences in case you stay at the hotel located in the same city.
Student visa (national visa) enables the holder to visit other countries of the Schengen zone.

We thank all participants and Embassy of Italy.

Practical seminar in Almaty

On November 9 and 10, 2017 in Almaty we conducted seminars on the migration rules.

The purpose of these seminars is to familiarize our clients with the latest and forthcoming legislative changes. And also to consider the practical cases that the participants encountered in the process of work permits obtaining, issuing visas and registration.

The seminars were attended by representatives of such companies as Chevron, Shell, Fluor, PSN, Kentech, KCOI, Zhaikmunai, JTI, Kaspi, Santo, etc. Thank you all for your active participation!

Corporate seminar for Tengizchevroil

On October 30, 2017 in Atyrau we held the next seminar for the employees of the visa department of Tengizchevroil.

Seminar focused on the upcoming changes to the immigration legislation as well as Rules for processing visas and work permits.

Special attention was paid to the Rules for visas issuance, in particular to those changes which are expected from January 1, 2018 and will have effect on:
- terms of submission and list of documents;
- order of entry, stay and registration of the foreigners.

Seminar in the Embassy of Italy

On October 27, 2017 we conducted a seminar for the employees of the Embassy of Italy in Astana.

Seminar was dedicated to the existing procedure for obtaining work permits, processing visas and registration of the foreign citizens.

WPK thanks the Embassy of Italy for cooperation and initiative in holding the seminar.

Meeting with the U.S. Consulate, Almaty

On October 5, 2017 we held next scheduled meeting with the U.S. Consulate dedicated to the U.S. visas. Here are share some main points and recommendations highlighted during the meeting:

It is possible to submit documents for a 10 years visa if current 5 years visa is available without waiting for its expiry date;
It is allowed to have both 2 visas of different categories in the passport (for example, B1/B2 and J1);
Citizens of Russia can apply for a visa to the U.S. Consulate in Kazakhstan;
Citizens of Kazakhstan can obtain visa at any U.S. Consulate abroad.

Meeting with the U.S. Consulate, Astana

On September 7, 2017 WPK in association with the U.S. Consulate in Astana conducted a business meeting on processing the U.S. visas during which the employees of the department spoke about non-immigrant visas to the United States, requirements to filling and gathering of the documents for visa.

Representatives of the companies ExxonMobil, Shell, Lukoil and others participated in this meeting.

Meeting with the Ministry of Internal Affairs

On June 2, 2017 in Astana WPK company organized a meeting dedicated to the visa issues and registration of the foreigners.

Representatives of the Immigration Service of the MIA and the Border Service of the NSC have discussed actual topics of invitation and stay of the foreigners in Kazakhstan as well as have shared forthcoming changes to the legislation with the participants.

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