Kazakhstan overhauls laws on education, migration, and environmental reforms

Kazakh lawmakers have begun reviewing a series of draft laws covering environmental reforms, education, migration, and financial regulations. Several international agreements will also undergo scrutiny in the coming sessions.

The proposals include updates to technical and vocational training, new rules for credit rating agencies, and measures to modernise environmental oversight. During the first reading, parliament will examine a bill focused on technical and vocational education alongside population migration policies. The draft seeks to improve the education system while refining migration laws to address current challenges.

A separate bill on rating activities will move to its second reading. This legislation aims to create a legal framework for credit rating operations, ensuring greater transparency and independence. New provisions will protect the rights of rated entities and users of credit ratings, helping to develop a domestic market for these services.

Environmental reforms will introduce digital systems for the sector, regulate carbon offset schemes, and improve waste management. The amendments also propose extended producer responsibility, upgrades to the National Hydrometeorological Service, and stronger environmental monitoring.

On international matters, lawmakers will assess multiple agreements. These include a Cooperation Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding with UNESCO, a border regime deal with Uzbekistan, and a proposal to withdraw Kazakhstan’s reservations under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Specialized Agencies. Additionally, a Kazakh-Kyrgyz agreement on embassy buildings and ambassador residences in Astana and Bishkek will be sent to a committee for further evaluation. The proposed laws and agreements cover a wide range of areas, from education and migration to environmental protection and financial regulation. If approved, these measures will introduce new legal frameworks and strengthen international cooperation.

Parliament’s decisions on these bills will determine their next steps, including potential implementation or further revisions.