Kazakhstan May Introduce Drug Testing, Mortgage Perks, And New Restrictions For Civil Servants

The Mazhilis adopted the draft law “On Civil Service” in the first reading. It introduces new privileges and restrictions for public officials, Orda.kz reports.

The main idea is to move toward a “service-oriented and citizen-focused state” model. Civil servants will be required to work according to the principle of “the citizen as client,” with an emphasis on service quality and openness.

But the list of basic requirements for a civil servant has been expanded. They will now be expected to demonstrate:

• patriotism
• professionalism
• ethics and an impeccable reputation
• zero tolerance for corruption and conflicts of interest

The bill introduces new incentive mechanisms. Horizontal career growth will allow salaries to increase without a change in position. Salaries will be indexed at least once every three years.

The social package is also being expanded. Civil servants will receive relocation payments and be provided with places in kindergartens. They will also be able to participate in preferential mortgage programs. Upon retirement, they may receive up to four months’ salary.

Working Conditions

• standard: up to 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week
• for people with disabilities — up to 36 hours
• a flexible schedule is possible (for example, for parents with young children)
• guarantees of overtime pay are being introduced

Discipline And Restrictions

• a flexible system of disciplinary responsibility will be introduced
• there will be measures without penalties aimed at preventing violations
• a ban on gambling
• mandatory rejection from business activities upon entering the civil service

Officials may also be tested for drug use.

In particular, the bill provides for the grounds and procedure for conducting medical examinations of civil servants for the use of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their analogues, as well as a list of positions subject to medical examination.the conclusion to the bill says. 

There will also be an early selection system, starting from grades 10–11. It will also be possible to study for free on a state grant, but graduates will then be required to work in rural areas for three years.

All processes will be transferred to the E-kyzmet system, and crime prevention services will be created.

Original author: Ilya Astakhov

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