Kazakhstan Sees Major Emigration Shift; New Ministers Appointed, Taxi Driver Status Changes
Kazakhstan sees significant emigration to Russia, Germany, and other countries. Meanwhile, the government appoints new heads to key ministries and implements changes in employment status for taxi drivers and couriers. Weather conditions also cause disruptions in the capital.
According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, Kazakhs primarily move to Russia, Germany, South Korea, UAE, and the UK for work or residence. Notably, Germany remains a popular choice due to established post-Soviet migration patterns.
In government news, Jaslan Madiev was appointed as the head of the Ministry of AI and Digital Development and also serves as Deputy Prime Minister. Juldyz Suleimenova replaced Ganibeyev Beisembayev as the Minister of Education, following the latter's removal by the President.
From 2026, a significant change is expected in the labor market. Taxi drivers and couriers will no longer be considered individual entrepreneurs (IPs).
On the KAZ-03 Kostanai - Almaty - Yekaterinburg highway, nine vehicles, including an Alphard and a Volkswagen, were rescued from a ditch after drivers lost control.
In Astana, the LRT's contact network operates at 750 volts, posing a risk to those who touch the rails. Today, the city experienced its first snowfall, causing traffic jams and affecting public transport.
The emigration trends and government appointments indicate shifts in Kazakhstan's labor market and political landscape. The change in employment status for taxi drivers and couriers, along with the weather-related disruptions in Astana, are expected to impact the country in the coming months.
