Tokayev discusses artificial precipitation project and water security with WMO President

26.05.2026, 19:25 12296

Kazakhstan updates rules for issuing diplomatic and official passports

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree on May 21, 2026, introducing changes to the procedure for processing, issuing, replacing, and accounting for diplomatic and official (service) passports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Qazinform News Agency reports.

The document updates the rules for issuing passports and approves the lists of officials entitled to receive diplomatic and service passports. It clarifies that passports are issued by the authorized ministry in accordance with the list approved by the President of Kazakhstan.

The document also allows the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the President, to issue a diplomatic or official passport to persons not included in the main list.

The list of persons eligible for diplomatic passports includes the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and members of his family, former presidents, leadership of Parliament, the Government, and the Presidential Administration, as well as the State Counselor, heads of the Constitutional and Supreme Courts, the National Bank, the Central Election Commission, the Secretary of the Security Council, regional akims (governors), members of Parliament, along with other high-ranking officials.

In addition, diplomatic passports will be issued to the staff of the diplomatic service and international organizations, military attachés, representatives of law enforcement agencies abroad, as well as their family members when traveling together. Passports will also be issued to participants in UN peacekeeping missions.

The list also includes heads of various national companies and development institutions, including Samruk-Kazyna JSC, the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), and the National Olympic Committee.

Under the document, service passports will be issued to judges of the Supreme Court, civil servants of the political and administrative corps, employees of law enforcement and security agencies, diplomatic service staff, and representatives of national companies sent to foreign missions.

Service passports may also be issued to military personnel participating in international missions, employees of various governmental and quasi-public entities, and representatives of Kazakhstan's foreign missions and their family members.

The decree extends passport eligibility to broader categories, including employees of international organizations and dependents accompanying diplomatic and service passport holders during foreign deployments.

The document takes effect on May 26, 2026.

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26.05.2026, 11:01 13401

Completion of the Academic Year Reviewed at Government Session: Instructions Given to Ensure Safety During Examinations

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At the Government session chaired by Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, the issue of completing the academic year was reviewed, primeminister.kz reports.

Reports were delivered by Ministers of Education - Zhuldyz Suleimenova, Science and Higher Education - Sayassat Nurbek, Healthcare - Akmaral Alnazarova, Labor and Social Protection of the Population - Askarbek Yertayev, Internal Affairs - Yerzhan Sadenov, Tourism and Sports - Yerbol Myrzabosynov, as well as Deputy Minister for Emergency Situations Kegen Tursynbayev. Akims of Akmola and Atyrau regions were also heard.

According to the Ministry of Education, 3.9 million schoolchildren studied in the country this academic year. Of these, 343 thousand students are completing 9th grade, and 215 thousand - 11th grade. The number of candidates for the "Altyn Belgi" badge is 13,175 people, and for a certificate with distinction - 18,555 graduates of 11th grade and 31,181 students of 9th grade. In addition, 168 thousand students are completing their studies at 763 colleges.

The final attestation of school graduates will take place from May 29 to June 15. To ensure transparency and academic integrity, examination materials will be sent to educational organizations on the day of the examinations.

The Prime Minister noted that a responsible period of examinations and admission begins for graduates, while summer holidays begin for the rest of the students.

For more than 200 thousand graduates, this is a very important stage of growing up - the time of examinations, unified national testing, and university admission. For an even larger number of children, it is time for summer rest. The common task for all state bodies is to conduct this period as organized and safely as possible. Favorable conditions must be created for every schoolchild, graduate, and student for the successful completion of the academic year and a full summer rest," Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.

The relevant ministries and akimats were instructed to take measures to ensure safety during the examination period and graduation events. During the examination period and graduation events, the Ministries of Education, Science, Healthcare, Internal Affairs, Emergency Situations, and the akimats will take the necessary security measures. Overall coordination was assigned to Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balaeva.

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25.05.2026, 17:03 22701

Astana to open 12 schools this year and continue LRT development, mayor Kassymbek reports to President

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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Monday held a meeting with mayor of Astana Zhenis Kassymbek to review the socio-economic and infrastructural development of the capital, Qazinform News Agency reports via Akorda.

Zhenis Kassymbek reported that Astana’s economic indicators continue an upward trajectory. Fixed asset investments saw a 9.1 percent annual increase, totaling 588 billion tenge from January to April, with major funding allocated to manufacturing, education, health, transport, as well as trade and logistics.

Astana’s light rail transit (LRT) system is now fully operational. To further improve urban mobility, authorities are already advancing the second phase of the project.

Kassymbek also briefed the president on the construction of social facilities and the expansion of residential zones. Astana has delivered 44 new schools in recent years, with a further 12 institutions preparing to welcome students this academic term. The city is also advancing youth services through two upcoming student palaces and six kindergartens. Two perinatal hubs, a multidisciplinary medical center, and a specialized diagnostic complex are also slated for commissioning before 2028.

Mayor Kassymbek presented an update on Astana’s utility infrastructure and Smart City initiatives. For 2026, the city plans to upgrade 173 courtyards and public areas, alongside planting over 1.1 million trees and shrubs.

Commending Kassymbek's efforts, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev issued directives for the continued progress and modernization of the capital.

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23.05.2026, 09:00 60431

Kazakhstan develops regulations for air taxis and urban air mobility

Images | gov.kz

Kazakhstan is preparing regulations for the launch of air taxis and the development of urban air mobility, along with plans to build vertiports and conduct eVTOL testing in Alatau City, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Kazakh Ministry of Transport.

Test flights of eVTOL air taxis were conducted in Alatau City, with the participation of Vice Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan Talgat Lastayev, Chief Executive Officer of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan JSC Michael Daniel, and representatives of Alatau Advance Air Group Ltd (AAAG) and AutoFlight.

The ministry noted that air taxis are an innovative and eco-friendly form of air transport powered by electric engines. These aircraft can attain speeds of up to 200 km/h and travel distances of up to 200 kilometers, making them a practical option for urban and regional air mobility.

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport has been collaborating with relevant companies for a year to establish the necessary legal and regulatory framework. This effort includes drafting legislative amendments to regulate air taxi services and to advance modern air mobility.

The proposed changes have already passed the coordination stages and are currently under discussion. Their adoption and integration into Kazakhstan’s legislation are expected in the near future.

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22.05.2026, 17:10 78996

Kazakhstan to introduce tailored visa regimes for four categories of foreigners

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Kazakhstan plans to introduce tailored visa regimes for foreign citizens arriving in the country for employment purposes, Qazinform News Agency reports.

First Vice-Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Yerbol Tuyakbayev made this announcement during a roundtable on the presidential decree, designed to create favorable conditions to attract highly qualified professionals, foreign investors, and entrepreneurs to Kazakhstan.

According to him, Kazakhstan plans to roll out an Altyn (Golden) Visa, set to become one of the key instruments of the new migration policy and aimed at drawing in strategic investors and highly skilled professionals.

In addition, digital residency and simplified entry procedures will be introduced for highly qualified specialists and investors. To achieve this, the country will implement a classification system for foreign nationals arriving for employment.

The Labor Ministry suggests identifying four main categories: Business migrants; Highly qualified professionals with unique knowledge and competencies; Mid-level skilled specialists - workforce hired by employers under the current system; Migrant workers employed by individuals for household chores.

A separate visa regime will apply for each category, taking into account the purpose of entry, skill level, and duration of stay.

A key element of the proposed model is the possibility of transitioning from this visa to long-term residency status after a specified period of employment or investment activity, said Tuyakbayev.

He added that holders of this status will be able to receive a number of incentives, including tax breaks, access to banking infrastructure, the healthcare system, educational services, and licensed activities.

Additionally, the government intends to streamline administrative processes, cut down application wait times, and adopt a single-window principle for interaction with government agencies. Furthermore, Kazakhstan plans to launch the unified QazETA digital platform, which will feature an e-Residency module and the e-Residency Invest program.

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22.05.2026, 15:10 79211

Kazakhstan, Hong Kong sign extradition and legal assistance agreements

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During a working trip to Hong Kong, Kazakhstan's Prosecutor General Berik Assylov signed a package of interstate agreements in the criminal law sphere, Qazinform News Agency reports.

Assylov met with Hong Kong's Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, who coordinates the activities of law enforcement and special services in the region, including police, immigration, customs, prison, fire, and air rescue services.

According to the Prosecutor General, the meeting is of particular importance for strengthening cooperation between the two countries' law enforcement agencies in extradition of wanted persons and jointly combating transnational crimes.

Special attention was given to the cooperation in the search and recovery of illegally withdrawn assets and the laundering of criminally obtained proceeds.

Following the meeting, interstate agreements were signed on surrender of fugitive offenders; on mutual legal assistance in criminal cases; and on the transfer of sentenced persons.

Following the talks, the parties agreed to exchange operational and forensic information, best practices in investigating crimes using modern technology and artificial intelligence, and outlined further steps to deepen cooperation on other legal issues of mutual interest.

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21.05.2026, 21:10 99756

1.3 trillion tenge in investment attracted to Pavlodar region's economy

On May 21, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev heard a report on the socio-economic development of the Pavlodar region for 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Akorda press service.

President Tokayev was informed that the Pavlodar region achieved positive growth across all key indicators last year.

Governor Assain Baikhanov reported that approximately 1.3 trillion tenge in investment was attracted to the region's economy, representing growth by over 47 percent.

The region ranks among the country's investment leaders.

Industrial output reached KZT 4.1 trillion in 2025. The region accounts for 58% of the country's coal mining, 42% of electricity generation, and 58% of ferroalloy production.

Agricultural gross output increased by 9.6% to KZT 571.4 billion. Among the country's regions, the Pavlodar region ranks first in the use of water-saving irrigation technologies, which has enabled significant harvests of potatoes, sunflowers, and buckwheat.

The Governor also informed the President about the fulfillment of social obligations.

More than 30,000 new jobs were created in the region, along with two urban and three rural schools, and 30 healthcare facilities. This year, two more schools and five major socially significant projects are planned for construction.

By the end of 2025, 100% of the rural population had gained access to clean drinking water.

Public transport has been completely renewed in three cities of the region.

The share of roads in good condition reached 96%, with 621 km of roads and village streets repaired. Paving of access roads to all promising villages in the region is expected to be completed this year.

Assain Baikhanov also reported on the implementation of the President's directives regarding the construction of a new bridge over the River Irtysh, the reconstruction of the airport runway and Shakhter Park, the renewal of the tram fleet, the construction of the GRES-3 Power Plant, and the implementation of the Data Center Valley project.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid particular attention to the development of air connectivity with the city of Ekibastuz, instructing the governor to explore the possibility of opening a new airport.

This project will significantly improve transport accessibility and the region's investment attractiveness, further boosting socio-economic development.

Following the meeting, the Head of State instructed that work on attracting investment, developing social infrastructure, and modernizing the utility infrastructure should be continued.

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21.05.2026, 19:08 99506

Tokayev outlines key development priorities in meeting with Kyzylorda governor

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Thursday held a meeting with governor of Kyzylorda region Murat Yergeshbayev, Qazinform News Agency reports.

During the meeting, the Kazakh president was briefed on the region’s key macroeconomic indicators for January-April this year, as well as plans for further social and economic development.

Regional governor Yergeshbayev highlighted the region's highly attractive investment climate. To drive economic diversification, 48 investment initiatives worth 1.9 trillion tenge are scheduled over the next three years, with construction kicking off on 14 major projects totaling 1 trillion tenge this year alone.

Following the president’s directives announced during the National Qurultay meeting, Kyzylorda is undergoing a massive infrastructure upgrade. Projects include a 300-bed multidisciplinary hospital, a 500-visit polyclinic, a 200-bed perinatal center, a drama theater, and a modern library. Additionally, the Kyzylorda-Aktobe highway expansion is underway, with the Beyneu-Sekseul road construction set to begin soon.

By the end of the year, 10 settlements will be connected to the gas supply system, that will raise the regional gasification rate to 85 percent.

This year, 2,400 apartments will be provided to citizens on the housing waiting list. Additionally, 138 km of roads, streets, and bridges are scheduled for repair, which will bring the share of roads in good condition to 95.5 percent.

The Kazakh president tasked the governor to continue the work on further diversification of the economy, attracting investments, improving the environmental situation, and introducing water-saving technologies in agriculture.

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Tokayev discusses artificial precipitation project and water security with WMO President

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