Could June 1 become a public holiday in Kazakhstan? Government comments

Tengrinews.kz - The government has responded to the possibility of introducing a new public holiday in Kazakhstan.

According to the Vice Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, Askarbek Yertayev, the issue is currently under discussion.

“There are currently 10 national holidays in Kazakhstan. Any such proposal is reviewed and coordinated with relevant government bodies. A proposal regarding June 1 has indeed been made — discussions with state agencies and experts are underway. Once a decision is made, we’ll inform you of the outcome. The discussions are expected to conclude by September,” Yertayev said during a government briefing.

Deputy Prime Minister Yermek Kosherbayev was asked whether the large number of holidays and days off might be affecting the country’s economy — in other words, whether Kazakh citizens might be getting too much time off.

“Compared to other countries, especially those with higher levels of economic development, we do have quite a few holidays. That probably does have an impact. I believe that businesses operating on a continuous cycle are still functioning regardless. Naturally, on holidays, company management must pay according to the law — additional compensation is required. And those who work on these days should receive either time off later or additional vacation days,” Kosherbayev responded.

Earlier, Tengrinews.kz published a calendar for August, highlighting upcoming holidays.