Kazakhstan continues to see positive dynamics in its labour market. The growing number of officially employed workers reflects the strengthening of the formal economic sector.

It is important to note that employment under an employment contract provides citizens with a full package of social guarantees, including compulsory social insurance, pension contributions, paid leave, temporary disability benefits, and protection of labour rights.

According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as of the first quarter of 2026, the number of employed population reached 9 million 392 thousand people, which is 108.5 thousand more than in the same period of the previous year. The most notable growth was recorded in formal employment: the number of workers employed under employment contracts increased by nearly 150 thousand – from 7 million 140.9 thousand to 7 million 290.4 thousand people.

At the same time, the share of precarious employment continues to decline. Over the year, the number of self-employed decreased from 2 million 142.5 thousand to 2 million 101.6 thousand people, while the number of independent workers fell by more than 30 thousand – from 357.2 thousand to 326.6 thousand people. This indicates a gradual shift of workers into the formal sector of the economy.

It is worth noting that the unemployment situation remains stable. By the end of the first quarter, the number of unemployed dropped to 446 thousand people, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.5 percent. Among young people, this figure stands at 3 percent.

The development of the labour market is also supported by the digitalisation of the employment sector. Thanks to the Electronic Labour Exchange, employers can find the specialists they need more efficiently, while job seekers gain access to vacancies, vocational training programmes, and government support measures.

State employment programmes also make a significant contribution to job creation. As of 1 July, with the assistance of the government and employers, over 249.5 thousand people have been placed in jobs, of whom 96,415 secured permanent employment.

According to the Ministry, future efforts will focus on creating modern jobs, improving the quality of employment, and developing human capital. The growth in formal employment not only reflects the resilience of the economy but also ensures that an increasing number of Kazakhstani citizens have access to social guarantees and pension coverage.

Prepared by

Sanzhar ABDRAIMULY