Kazakhstan's Unemployment Rate Holds at 4.6% — Ministry of Labor

Kazakhstan’s unemployment rate remained steady at 4.6% in the first half of 2025, according to Vice Minister of Labor and Social Protection Askar Biakhmetov. Speaking at a government meeting, he said the labor force includes 7.1 million hired workers and 2.1 million self-employed, Orda.kz reports.

Biakhmetov highlighted several key trends reshaping the labor market, including the rise of digital professions, e-commerce, freelancing, and demographic pressure. Up to 360,000 working-age youth are expected to enter the labor market annually until 2035, intensifying the demand for jobs.

He pointed to a mismatch between available jobs and economic needs. While some professions are becoming obsolete, demand is rising for IT specialists, drone operators, tutors, and others in emerging fields.

There are also regional disparities. Labor surpluses in the south contrast with shortages in the north, and internal migration to major cities is straining social and urban infrastructure. In some regions, a lack of economic diversification limits job opportunities,Biakhmetov said. 

Shadow employment remains a significant issue, with 30% of workers not contributing to the pension system and certain industries lacking clear labor standards.

To address these challenges, Kazakhstan will need to retrain workers, revise professional standards, and modernize education programs, with the labor market expected to require nearly 3 million skilled workers in the coming years.

Original Author: Ilya Astkahov