Some Kazakh Civil Servants Will Face Mandatory Drug Tests

Civil servants in Kazakhstan will be required to undergo regular drug testing under a new civil service law approved by the Senate, Orda.kz reports.

According to Salauat Muksimov, deputy chairman of the Civil Service Agency, the law introduces annual mandatory drug screening for certain categories of officials.

The law defines groups of officials who must undergo mandatory annual drug screening on two grounds. The first is mandatory: this applies to people in managerial positions, meaning those who supervise other employees. The second is optional: the head of a state body may determine this depending on the nature and content of official duties, for example when working with state secrets.he said.

He added that restrictions in the civil service are justified if they are aimed at improving efficiency and strengthening public trust.

Drug tests will be unannounced. An official will be informed that they must undergo testing and will then have 48 hours to do so. Refusal will not be allowed. The test will be paid for by the official, although they will be given a day off for it.

According to deputy Yevgeny Bolgert, the state is also expanding social guarantees for civil servants.

The law introduces horizontal career growth within one position and establishes mandatory salary indexation at least once every three years. We have also provided one-time retirement payments equal to four salaries for employees with at least 25 years of service and state or departmental awards, as well as relocation payments and additional vacation days.he said.

The main innovations in the bill include:

• a fully digital selection format through the E-kyzmet system, covering not only civil servants but also candidates for managerial positions in the quasi-public sector;
• the possibility for experienced civil servants to continue working for up to two years after reaching retirement age;
• salary indexation at least once every three years;
• an expanded social package, including participation in preferential housing programs, additional vacation days and a one-time retirement payment of four salaries for employees with at least 25 years of service and awards;
• more flexible disciplinary sanctions that take into account the degree of guilt, as well as alternative measures that do not involve formal penalties;
• protection against unlawful interference, unfounded accusations and other illegal actions;
• payments for relocation connected with service.

Original author: Alina Elgeldina

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