Kazakhstan's parliament debates sweeping reforms on environment, education, and migration
Kazakhstan’s parliament has begun reviewing a series of draft laws covering environmental reforms, education, migration, and international agreements. The first reading will address key issues such as technical and vocational training, population movement, and updates to environmental regulations.
Among the proposals is a bill aimed at modernising the country’s rating activities sector in line with long-term financial goals.
The environmental bill introduces major changes to digitise the sector and improve waste management. It also establishes extended producer responsibility and updates the National Hydrometeorological Service. Stricter oversight and new carbon offset rules are included to strengthen environmental protections.
Another draft law focuses on technical and vocational education, along with migration policies. Initiated by Senate deputies, it seeks to refine existing systems and adapt them to current needs. On the international front, lawmakers will examine agreements with UNESCO, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. These include a Cooperation Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding with UNESCO, a border regime deal with Uzbekistan, and a Kazakh-Kyrgyz pact on shared buildings and land plots in Astana and Bishkek. The latter will be sent to a committee for further review. A separate bill proposes withdrawing Kazakhstan’s reservations under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Specialized Agencies. This move would align the country more closely with international standards. In the second reading, deputies will discuss the rating activities bill. Developed under Kazakhstan’s Financial Sector Development Concept until 2030, it aims to create a clear legal framework for rating operations and boost the domestic market for these services.
The proposed laws cover a wide range of areas, from environmental digitisation to cross-border cooperation. If approved, they will bring updates to education, migration policies, and financial regulations. The next steps include committee assessments and further parliamentary debate.
