Information for Asylum-Seekers and Refugees in Kazakhstan

You can apply for asylum in Kazakhstan if you are inside the country or at a border entry point (airport, land border crossing, or seaport). 

The Republic of Kazakhstan has acceded to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and it has a national law on refugees that entered into force in 2010. As such, all claims for asylum should be submitted to the local Department of Employment and Social Programs. 

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population is the competent government authority responsible for asylum-related matters in Kazakhstan, including the implementation of refugee legislation.  

At the regional level, the Departments of Employment and Social Programs are responsible for the procedures related to granting, extending, revoking, and terminating refugee status, as well as the issuance of documentation to asylum-seekers and refugees. 

How to apply for asylum in Kazakhstan?

Under Kazakhstan’s national legislation, if you are seeking asylum, you must submit an asylum application in writing. You can do this: 

  • In person or through an authorized representative at the Department of Employment and Social Programs in the city where you are staying. 
  • Within five calendar days of your arrival in Kazakhstan or from the moment you realize you cannot return to your country due to a risk of persecution based on race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. 
  • At the border—if you arrive at an official border crossing, you must submit a written asylum application to the Border Service. 
  • If you enter Kazakhstan irregularly, you must apply at the Department of Employment and Social Programs within one day. 

Where to apply?

You can submit your application at the Department of Employment and Social Programs in the following locations: 

  • Astana: 9 Beibitshilik St. 
  • Almaty: 85 Dostyk Ave. 
  • Shymkent: 89 Baiterekov St. 
  • Almaty region, Konaev: 1st Microdistrict, 43 

 

You may also file asylum application at the Department of Employment and Social Programs in other cities. For more information on addresses of Departments of Employment and Social Programs in different cities, please refer to the following website:

Contacts of employment and social prоgrams centers of Astana, Almaty, Shymkent cities and RK regional centers 

I registered my application. What is next?

Step 1: Receiving an Asylum-Seeker Certificate 

Once your asylum application is registered, you will receive an asylum-seeker’s certificate. This document: 

  • Confirms your legal status in Kazakhstan. 
  • Allows you to stay in the country legally while your case is being processed. 

Step 2: Interview  

  • Within three months of registration, you will be invited for an interview with the Department of Employment and Social Programs. 
  • During the interview, you will have the opportunity to explain why you fled your country and why you fear returning. 
  • You may be asked to provide any supporting documents or evidence related to your case. 

Step 3: Decision on Your Asylum Application 

  • You will receive a decision within three months after your application is registered. 
  • In some cases, if further review is required, the decision may take up to one year. 

My application for refugee status was rejected. What is next?

If your asylum application is rejected, you will receive a written notice with the reasons for rejection. If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal in court within three months from the date you received the notification. Your case may be reviewed by up to three levels of court. The decision made by the Supreme Court is final. 

What are my rights and obligations as an asylum-seeker in Kazakhstan?

As an asylum-seeker, you have the following rights in accordance with the legislation of Kazakhstan:  

  • to access free interpretation/translation services and information about the refugee status determination procedure, asylum-seeker rights and responsibilities;  
  • to withdraw your refugee status application;  
  • to appeal the decision of Department of Employment and Social Programs on rejection of refugee status;  
  • to reside in the Republic of Kazakhstan until a final decision is made on your asylum application, including appeal periods;  
  • to voluntary return to your country of origin or voluntarily depart to another country;  
  • to health services in accordance with the healthcare legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan;  
  • to freedom of employment and entrepreneurship in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan;  
  • to judicial protection of property and personal non-property rights and benefits.   

You also have other rights and freedoms as well as responsibilities provided by the Constitution, laws and international treaties of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 

What are my rights and obligations as a refugee in Kazakhstan?

As a refugee, you have the following rights in accordance with the legislation of Kazakhstan:  

  • to stay in Kazakhstan and move within the country;  
  • request for information from relevant state authorities about your relatives staying in the country of origin;  
  • appeal against the decision of the authorised body on revocation, cessation or refusal to extend your refugee status;  
  • to health services in accordance with the healthcare legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan;  
  • to freedom of employment in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan;  
  • to judicial protection of property and personal non-property rights and benefits; 
  • to have a family reunification with your spouse and dependent children.  
  • You shall not be forcibly returned to a territory where you may face danger.   

You also have other rights and freedoms as well as responsibilities provided by the Constitution, laws and international treaties of the Republic of Kazakhstan.