New work schedule rules introduced for pregnant women and people with disabilities in Kazakhstan

The Mazhilis of Kazakhstan has approved in the first reading a draft law on public service, introducing updated regulations on working hours and employment conditions.

Under the new provisions, the standard working schedule remains at 8 hours per day and no more than 40 hours per week. However, for employees with disabilities (Groups I and II), a reduced working week of no more than 36 hourswill be established.

The draft law also allows for part-time work arrangements for specific categories of employees, including:

• pregnant women

• one parent with a child under three years old

• employees caring for a sick family member

Additionally, a “horizontal career growth” mechanism will be introduced for administrative positions in the “B” corps, meaning that salary levels will vary depending on position and responsibilities rather than hierarchical promotion alone.

These reforms will be tested over the next two years in several institutions, including the Agency for Civil Service Affairs of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Justice of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of National Economy of Kazakhstan, as well as in regional administrations of Astana and the Atyrau Region.