Kazakhstan: Draft Published on Codifying Workplace Sexual Harassment

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population plans to codify in law the concept of “sexual harassment in the workplace,” Orda.kz reports.

The department published the corresponding draft regulation on the portal Open NPA. It notes that the current Labor Code lacks clear definitions, legal guarantees, and effective mechanisms for addressing complaints related to workplace harassment. The Ministry proposes that employers be legally required to respond to such cases.

According to social surveys, up to 30% of workers have encountered unethical behavior, there is no clear mechanism for appeal and protection. Kazakhstan has not ratified ILO Convention No. 190, but should move in this direction,"
the published draft notes. 

The Ministry has cited the number of harassment complaints as an indicator of the issue’s scale. The proposed amendments would oblige employers to take action on reported cases, introduce a formal complaint process, and establish safeguards for affected employees.

The goal is to ensure protection for workers facing harassment.

The draft is open for public comment until May 15. The Ministry plans to submit the final proposal to the government in December 2025 and present it to the Majilis in January.

Original Author: Dinara Bekbolayeva