FBRK.KZ

Kazakhstan has changed the procedure for accepting foreigners for permanent residence from 10 April 2026. At the same time, simplified entry has been retained for investors and specialists in high-demand professions. The list includes 51 specialities, including doctors, engineers and technical specialists. The authorities also announced the preparation of an updated list of professions and new visa formats for skilled workers and digital nomads.

Deputy Murat Abenov reported the detention of foreigners carrying weapons in the Highvill residential complex in Astana. Later, Nazarbayev University and the Astana Police Department stated that the items found turned out to be antique museum exhibits from the 15th–18th centuries, posing no danger. The police found no violations as a result of the inspection.

In Kazakhstan, from 2027, a new AIT exam will be introduced in pilot mode as an alternative to the UNT. In 2026, the current testing system will remain unchanged. The new format is being developed with the involvement of ETS and may be used for admission to foreign universities.

Summary: After two plane crashes near Astana in 2025, Kazakhstan conducted 63 unscheduled inspections of aircraft. Inspectors identified 58 violations, and the operation of 11 aircraft was suspended until the issues were resolved. Materials for five operators were submitted for consideration of administrative liability. The investigation into the causes of the crashes continues.

Ex-child ombudsman Aruzhan Sain raised the question of the accuracy of interpreting data on animal attacks in Kazakhstan. The publication compares the official Ministry of Health statistics on bites and injuries from animals with claims about the number of dog attacks.

In Petropavlovsk, the AFM department for the North Kazakhstan region is investigating the possible theft of over 2 billion tenge during the construction of a road bridge worth 5.4 billion tenge. According to the investigation, funds were transferred on the basis of false certificates of completed work. The court has authorised the seizure of 24 units of machinery and vehicles worth more than 270 million tenge, and the suspect has been taken into custody.

The Government of Kazakhstan has reviewed measures for inclusive policy. The meeting discussed support for people with disabilities, assistance for over 237,000 children with special educational needs, a shortage of audiologists, speech therapists and rehabilitation specialists, as well as the participation of the Samruk-Kazyna fund and businesses in social projects.

In the Turkestan Region, three residents have been held to account following social media posts referencing a report from the Turkistan.tv television channel about the head of the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control, Nurbek Nyshanov. One of the individuals involved received 20 days of administrative detention. Deputy Abzal Kuspán stated his intention to send inquiries to state bodies, highlighting the contentious nature of classifying such publications as defamation.

In Kazakhstan, authorities are tightening road control: expanding the average speed enforcement system, increasing the number of violation detection cameras, modernising traffic lights, and toughening rules for electric scooters. The new measures are aimed at reducing accident rates and improving road safety across the country.

In Kazakhstan, as of 20 April, regional differences in fuel prices remain. Petrol, diesel and autogas in Astana, Almaty and Shymkent are sold at varying prices without sharp jumps in cost. After the end of the price moratorium, authorities have instructed that the potential rise in fuel prices must not be allowed to affect inflation.