Kazakhstan employment hits 9.4 million as worker demand rises

September 26, 2026 at 04:30 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Kazakhstan's employed population reached 9.4 million in the second quarter of 2026, with unemployment at 4.5%. The government plans to increase quality jobs to 3.8 million by 2029. Demand for skilled workers is rising, with 42.3% of August vacancies on Enbek.kz for blue-collar roles.

Key Facts

In the second quarter of 2026, 9.4 million people were employed in Kazakhstan, with unemployment at 4.5%.
The government aims to increase quality jobs to 3.8 million by 2029, up from about 2.9 million at the end of 2025.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection estimates Kazakhstan's economy will need about 2.9 million specialists by 2035.
In August 2026, 42.3% of vacancies posted on Enbek.kz were for skilled worker roles in services, trade, agriculture, industry, construction, and transport.
A Ministry of Labour survey of 1,305 citizens found 76.2% consider respect for workers an important social value, and 20.3% named builders as most important for the country's development.

Labour Market Overview

Kazakhstan's labour market is gradually changing, with growing importance of in-demand skills and stronger links between employers and the training system. In the second quarter of 2026, 9.4 million people were employed and unemployment stood at 4.5%. Employment quality is measured by job stability, wage level, labour rights compliance, social guarantees, and safety requirements. Digital tools are helping citizens find suitable work faster.

Quality Jobs Target

A key direction of state employment policy is increasing the number of quality jobs. Under the labour market development concept, the number of quality jobs is planned to reach 3.8 million by 2029. At the end of 2025, Kazakhstan had about 2.9 million quality jobs. A quality job is defined as one providing at least six months of employment per year, wages not lower than the regional median, safe working conditions, and social protection.

Worker Demand and Public Perception

The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection estimates that by 2035, Kazakhstan's economy will need about 2.9 million specialists. Demand is especially high for worker professions, as modern production requires specialists who can operate equipment, perform complex technological operations, and quickly master new technologies. In August 2026, 42.3% of vacancies on Enbek.kz were for skilled worker professions in services and trade, agriculture, industry, construction, and transport, as well as operators and equipment machinists. A Ministry of Labour survey of 1,305 citizens found 76.2% consider respect for workers an important social value. Builders were named most important for the country's development by 20.3% of respondents, followed by agricultural workers (16.7%), industrial production workers (14.8%), and electricians (14.4%).