President Tokayev Reviews 2026 Labor and Social Protection Priorities
Astana, The Gulf Observer: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has received Minister of Labor and Social Protection Askarbek Yertayev, during which he was briefed on the ministry’s priority areas for 2026, with a focus on employment promotion and social protection reforms, according to media reports.
During the meeting, Yertayev outlined plans to shift from temporary employment schemes toward the creation of stable and high-quality jobs. He said the ministry aims to enhance labor mobility and better align the education system with labor market needs, while placing special emphasis on engaging young people, including those classified as NEET (not in employment, education, or training).
The minister also presented proposals to improve the targeted social assistance system. These include strengthening the targeting of social support through digital assessment tools and expanding the use of social contracts, with mandatory participation of working-age beneficiaries in employment-related measures.
In addition, Yertayev reported on steps to ensure the long-term sustainability of the pension system and to maintain an adequate level of pension payments. Particular attention was devoted to social protection for persons with disabilities, with plans to further develop per capita financing of specialized social services, raise quality standards, expand access to rehabilitation services and technical aids, and promote inclusive employment.
The minister also informed the head of state about preparations to implement the 2030 Migration Policy Concept. The proposed measures aim to improve the manageability and predictability of migration processes, balance internal migration flows, and enhance the regulation of labor migration, with a focus on protecting the domestic labor market.
President Tokayev issued a number of instructions aimed at improving the quality of employment and incomes, strengthening the targeting of social support, enhancing the pension system, implementing a balanced migration policy, advancing inclusive approaches in social protection, and reinforcing occupational safety and labor risk prevention through the use of digital solutions.
