COUNTRY

Employment contracts in Kazakhstan may be either indefinite or for a fixed term. If the contract is for a fixed term, the length of the term must be specified in the contract. The term may be either a period of time lasting not less than one year, or it may be for the completion of a specific task, replacement of a temporarily absent employee until they return, or for seasonal work. Fixed-term contracts may be renewed twice, after which, if the work continues, the contract is automatically converted to an indefinite employment contract. Small businesses can establish fixed-term contracts that last no more than one year. An employment contract may establish a probationary period, which may not be longer than three months, or six months for some executive and management positions.

The standard workweek in Kazakhstan is capped at 40 hours. Five day workweeks are the norm, although an employer can establish a six-day workweek to meet the needs of the business. Creative or athletic enterprises have some freedom to establish different schedules. Employees between the ages of 14 and 16 may not work more than 24 hours per week. Those between 16 and 18 are limited to 36 hours per week. Employees who work in particularly difficult or hazardous jobs are also limited to 36 hours per week. In addition, employees under the age of 18 and pregnant women who have provided a medical certificate of pregnancy to the employer are prohibited from working between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Employees are entitled to paid sick leave in Kazakhstan. They must provide medical certification of their inability to work. The amount of payment is determined by the Kazakhstani government, although the employer may voluntarily pay more than this amount. The employer is responsible for paying the employee a social allowance until the employee either returns to work or is certified as disabled.

Female employees receive 126 days of paid maternity leave in Kazakhstan, 70 days before the due date, and 56 days after birth. If the birth has complications or the mother delivers more than one child, the leave after the birth is 70 days. Employees who adopt a newborn baby receive paid leave from the date of the adoption until the child is 56 days old. Special rules may apply in the event of a premature birth or other special situations.

The employer pays the mother her average wage during maternity leave, reduced by the amount of social benefits she receives.

Kazakhstan has a minimum wage. Bonuses are paid at the employer's discretion.

Employees receive 24 days of paid annual leave in Kazakhstan.

In Kazakhstan, the public holidays are:

• New Year’s Day

• Orthodox Christmas Day

• International Women’s Day

• Nowruz

• Unity Day

• Armed Forces Day

• Victory Day

• Capital Day

• Constitution Day

• Kurban-Ait

• Republic Day

• Independence Day

Kazakhstan has implemented a universal healthcare system, but in practice, patients may have to pay many medical costs themselves.

The notice period for termination in Kazakhstan depends on the reason the employer is terminating the employment contract, such as liquidation, staff cuts, lack of required professional qualifications and disciplinary reasons. Terminations for disciplinary reasons require that the employer first request a written explanation from the employee and allow the employee two working days to respond. The employer may then terminate the employee and must provide written notice of the termination to the employee within three days. The employer must take action within one month of detecting the conduct for which the employee is being terminated.

A minimum of one month of written notice is required if employees are being terminated because of liquidation or because personnel are being reduced.

An employee who wishes to quit a job must provide the employer with written notice at least one month in advance. The employment contract may be terminated sooner if the employer consents in writing. Contracts may also be terminated by mutual consent.