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Tengrinews.kz – Foreign nationals have voiced frustration over delays in obtaining residence permits in Kazakhstan. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has commented on the issue.
A resident from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, told Tengrinews.kz that the fingerprint registration system had been down for about a month, preventing many from receiving their residence permits.
“The fingerprint database hasn’t worked for a month. We, as oralman (ethnic repatriates), can’t get our residence permits. I’m at the final stage — waiting for the card to be issued. Hundreds, maybe thousands of people across Kazakhstan are in the same situation,” the man said.
“Without a residence permit, we can’t even leave the country — applications are canceled, and we have to start the process again. We were told the system might not work until next year,” he added.
According to the MIA, a technical failure in the fingerprint registration system occurred between September 9 and early October, temporarily suspending the processing of residence permits, permanent residence approvals, and documents for stateless persons.
“The system is now fully operational. Applications for permanent residence and residence permits are being accepted and processed as usual,” the ministry stated.
Officials added that foreigners and stateless persons whose documents expired during the system outage would be able to renew or reissue them without penalties.
“Those whose residence permits expired between September 9 and early October will not face administrative fines. However, if the permit expired earlier — for example, in June — standard penalties will apply,” the MIA clarified.
According to the egov.kz portal, a residence permit confirms a foreign citizen’s right to live permanently in Kazakhstan. Applicants must first obtain permission for permanent residence, issued by regional police departments, and prove their financial solvency.
The application for renewal or reissuance must be submitted at least one month before the permit’s expiration. If a permit is lost, the individual must apply for replacement within three days.
While a new residence permit is being processed, the applicant retains the legal status of a permanent resident.
