Kazakhstan plans tougher penalties for violating migration rules

Tengrinews.kz – The Kazakh government is considering stricter administrative penalties for violations of migration laws, according to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.

During a cabinet meeting, Acting Minister of Internal Affairs Bauyrzhan Alenov said his ministry is working on amendments to the Administrative Offenses Code that would introduce new liability for failing to properly register foreign nationals.

"The Ministry of Internal Affairs and all relevant state bodies must ensure stricter administrative measures for violations of migration legislation. Overall, migration security must be strengthened," Bektenov stated.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, over 200,000 foreign nationals have been held administratively liable since the beginning of the year. This includes 46,000 for overstaying or violating residence conditions, with nearly 10,000 deported and banned from re-entry for five years. More than 2,000 employers have been fined for illegally hiring foreign workers.

Alenov also reported that seven criminal cases have been launched over repeated violations related to the hiring of migrant labor. All foreign nationals involved in criminal activity are being prosecuted, he added.