Kazakhstan: Senator Slams “Ata Joly” Red Tape

The “Ata Joly” initiative, intended to help ethnic Kazakhs abroad return and contribute to the country, is effectively stalled, Senator Bekbol Orynbasarov told the Senate, Orda.kz reports.

The card is supposed to grant up to 10 years of residence in Kazakhstan, the right to work, study, and eventually obtain citizenship. It is also meant to attract investors and skilled professionals. But in practice, applicants are running into red tape.

Orynbasarov cited the case of Serik Tursyn, a Swiss-based doctor who wanted to relocate to Kazakhstan, share his medical expertise, and donate three ultrasound machines worth $100,000.

Serik planned to integrate his experience into the healthcare system. However, his good intentions were thwarted by bureaucratic barriers. Tursyn repeatedly contacted government agencies. Having received no concrete answers, he frankly described the obstacles to me and my colleague. Ultimately, our compatriot lost hope and completely abandoned the idea of returning to Kazakhstan. This situation clearly demonstrated how unprepared government agencies were to effectively utilize the potential of our compatriots,
 the deputy said.

Such difficulties not only reduce the motivation of compatriots to return to Kazakhstan, but also undermine trust in government policy,
Orynbasarov warned.

He urged the government to amend legislation to formalize the card’s status, simplify recognition of foreign diplomas, and create conditions to attract specialists, particularly in healthcare.

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina