Kazakhstan changes interview rules for permanent residence applicants
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Kazakhstan has changed the interview procedure for foreigners and stateless persons applying for permanent residence. A special commission will now conduct interviews for citizens of visa-free countries. The changes also affect the rules for granting and revoking kandas status.
Key Facts
- The interview is conducted by the local executive body for social protection and employment of the region where the immigrant intends to reside, as indicated in the portal application.
- For citizens of visa-free countries, a commission of at least five members is formed, including representatives of local executive bodies, internal affairs, and territorial departments of the Committee for Quality Assurance in Education.
- The interview must be conducted within five working days after the local executive body receives the documents, which it forwards to the commission within one working day.
- The interview can be held in person or remotely via messengers or other video communication tools with identity verification.
- Kandas status can be revoked if the person does not apply for permanent residence in designated settlement regions within three months of receiving the status.
Interview Procedure
The new rules were introduced by a joint order of the ministers of labor, internal affairs, and digital development. The interview is organized by the local executive body for social protection and employment of the region chosen by the foreigner for permanent residence. The applicant must indicate the future region of residence when filling out the questionnaire on the portal. For citizens of states with a visa-free entry regime, a special commission is formed. The commission includes representatives of local executive bodies responsible for social protection and employment, culture and internal policy, internal affairs bodies, and territorial departments of the Committee for Quality Assurance in Education.
Commission Composition and Voting
The commission must consist of at least five members. After receiving the documents, the local executive body forwards them to the commission within one working day. The interview itself is conducted within five working days. The decision is made by open voting, and the meeting is valid if at least two-thirds of the commission members participate. The commission issues a recommendation to grant or deny access to further government services for permanent residence and kandas status.
Kandas Status Changes
Kandas and their family members must now consent to the collection and processing of personal data, including bank secrecy information, credit debt, monthly payments, and overdue obligations. A new ground for revoking kandas status is failure to apply for permanent residence in designated settlement regions within three months of receiving the status. The status can also be revoked if the person fails to confirm funds placed in a bank account within five years before obtaining Kazakhstan citizenship.
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Kazakhstan changes interview rules for permanent residence applicants
