Kazakhstan Plans to Insure Life and Health of Volunteers

Kazakhstan is considering the introduction of mandatory insurance for volunteers involved in emergency response operations and search-and-rescue missions for missing persons. This was announced by Aida Balayeva, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information.

According to the Minister, relevant government agencies are currently collaborating to develop social protection mechanisms for volunteers working in fields that pose a real threat to life and health. These initiatives will be integrated into the new Concept for the Development of Volunteering until 2030.

In response to a parliamentary inquiry, the issue of counting volunteer service toward official labor experience was also addressed. However, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population did not support the proposal. Citing international experience, the Ministry noted that equating volunteer work with professional employment is considered ineffective.

Nevertheless, other support measures for volunteers are being established:

• Volunteer activities will be considered as an additional coefficient for students applying to universities and colleges.

• Active participation in volunteering may provide an advantage when competing for state educational grants.

These measures aim to ensure the safety of the country’s volunteer movement and provide additional momentum for youth to engage in social welfare projects.