Mandatory leave – important notifications will start arriving for workers in Kazakhstan

Details of the order and its impact

The draft order, published on the "Open NPA" (Open Legal Acts) portal, stipulates that both employees and employers will be sent notifications about the need to undergo health screenings.

The Ministry of Health believes this measure will ensure that preventative examinations are completed in a more timely manner.

"This draft order does not involve risks and will not lead to negative socio-economic, legal, or other consequences," the document states.

The document was prepared to align current regulations with laws passed in 2026.

Public discussion of the draft order will continue until July 22 on the "Open NPA" portal.

Employers must provide time off for screenings

In Kazakhstan, employers are legally required to release employees for health screenings, though several important nuances apply.

This regulation is codified in the Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Employees are entitled to social leave of up to 3 working days per calendar year. During the screening period, the employee’s position and average salary are fully guaranteed.

How to request leave

Lawyer Sergey Utkin previously explained to Tengrinews.kz that providing social leave for screenings is an obligation for the employer, not a discretionary right. To exercise this, an employee must submit an application specifying the examination date, after which the employer must issue a formal order.

The three paid days can be used consecutively or separately throughout the year. However, this leave is granted exclusively for screenings mandated by legislation and the healthcare system.

If an employee undergoes an examination on their own initiative outside of the official screening programs, the employer is not required to provide paid leave.

As a reminder, starting January 1, 2027, the rules for granting social leave for medical examinations will change. These updates are related to the digitalization of the process.