(4 February 2026 | Source: portal Ulysmedia.kz )
The Government of Kazakhstan has updated the rules for the payment of bonuses to civil servants. According to resolution No. 54 of 29 January 2026, additional payments depend on the decision of the leadership of state bodies and can be awarded on a wide range of grounds — from service achievements to anniversaries and holidays.
HOW THE BONUS PAYMENT RULES HAVE CHANGED
As reported by the portal Ulysmedia.kz citing the government document, the new resolution completely replaces the bonus procedure that had been in place since 2001. Now ministers, akims and heads of state bodies independently decide who receives bonuses and for what reasons, and also set internal guidelines for their distribution.
WHAT YOU CAN RECEIVE A BONUS FOR
The list of grounds for bonuses has become extremely broad:
- 'exemplary performance of duties';
- 'impeccable civil service';
- completion of urgent and complex tasks;
- fulfilment of instructions from the president and the government;
- participation in the development of laws, even if this is not part of job duties;
- 'other achievements' without specification;
- annual performance evaluation;
- public holidays and anniversary dates.
FROM WHAT FUNDS ARE BONUSES PAID? FUNDING
Bonus funding is provided from the so-called budget savings — funds not spent on business trips, rent, communications, utilities and transport. During the year, up to 30% of such savings can be allocated to bonuses, while in December the remaining funds can be used.
POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS
The document does not contain a direct promise of increased income for civil servants, however, the expansion of grounds for bonuses, simplification of rules and internal oversight increase the chances of civil servants receiving additional payments.
CONTRAST WITH SOCIAL PROBLEMS
As journalists note, the changes came into force against a backdrop of rising prices, discussions of budget deficits and chronic problems in the regions — the condition of roads, shortages of schools and medical facilities. At the same time, control over the distribution of bonus funds remains within the state bodies themselves.