Chinese railway workers will be able to live and work in Kazakhstan starting in December

Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstan and China have agreed to allow rotational workers from their border railway stations to be stationed on each other’s territory. The agreement was reached between the national company “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy” (KTZ) and China Railway.

What happened

KTZ’s press service earlier reported the agreement, stating that it was concluded “to improve the efficiency of border crossings between Kazakhstan and China.”

“Renovation and modernization of the buildings intended for accommodating rotational workers from the PRC have been completed at the Dostyk and Altynkol stations, and the necessary conditions have been created for the safe work and comfortable living of Chinese employees,” KTZ said.

According to the company, implementing the agreement “will remove existing restrictions, speed up administrative procedures, increase the throughput of border stations, expedite the processing of transport documents for cargo, and contribute to the further development of cooperation in railway transport between Kazakhstan and China.”

KTZ also clarified that rotational workers from both sides are scheduled to begin crossing into the neighboring stations in December 2025.

What KTZ said

Tengrinews.kz requested further clarification from the national company, sending an official inquiry.

According to the response received, 50 Chinese specialists will come to Kazakhstan:

• 27 workers will be assigned to the Dostyk station;
• 23 workers to the Altynkol station.

Meanwhile, 56 Kazakh workers will be sent to China:

• 30 employees to the Alashankou station;
• 26 employees to the Altynkol (Chinese side) station.

“The rotational workers will perform functions related to servicing and supporting operations for receiving and dispatching trains, cargo, and containers. This is necessary to prevent disruptions and ensure uninterrupted operation of border stations,” the KTZ press service reported.

Under the agreement, the host country will provide incoming workers with free accommodation and service phones. The facilities will have heating and lighting and will be maintained at the expense of the host side. If necessary, workers will receive free medical assistance. However, they will pay for their own meals.

KTZ emphasized once more that the purpose of this personnel exchange is to speed up all procedures and increase border efficiency.

“Implementing this mechanism will increase transportation volumes, optimize technological processes, and boost the throughput capacity of border crossings,” the company explained.