65 Ethnic Kazakhs Received "Ata Zholy" Card Since Program Launch

The Ministry of Labor has shared statistics on recipients of the "Ata Joly" card, which grants holders a 10-year right to live and work in Kazakhstan, reports Orda.kz.

In the past two years, 65 ethnic Kazakhs have received the Ata Joly card.

27 are business immigrants, and 38 are highly-demand specialists, including engineers, chemists, doctors, and other professionals. The holders have come from Russia, Germany, the USA, France, Great Britain, China, Israel, the Netherlands, and others.

The Ata Joly card gives foreign Kazakhs rights nearly equivalent to those of Kazakh citizens. It allows them to conduct business, work, access education, and receive medical care. 

However, they cannot vote, participate in elections, or hold positions in civil service.

If the card holder decides to obtain Kazakh citizenship, the document will become invalid, The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection said.

The program, launched in 2023, aims to strengthen connections with the historical homeland while attracting skilled professionals and entrepreneurs.'

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina