Kazakhstan has launched an automated information system for enforcement proceedings that will help identify the income of alimony debtors. Earnings data will flow in from multiple sources, the website infohub.kz reports.
Parents in Kazakhstan are obliged to support their minor children. Yet situations sometimes arise after a divorce in which one parent stops contributing to their children's upkeep, even though by law they must pay alimony regardless of gender. That prompted a decision to step up work with alimony debtors. According to the Telegram channel ZANGER | PRG, Kazakhstan has introduced an automated information system for enforcement proceedings.
The new system exchanges information with government agencies, banks and other organizations. It also receives data on debtors' employment and their employers. In addition, it can identify citizens' income held by internet platform operators and gambling business organizers.
If a debtor is employed, the arrears are calculated on the basis of their actual earnings and other income. If they are not working or cannot document their income, the calculation is based on the average monthly salary in Kazakhstan.
If alimony cannot be recovered from a debtor's income within three months, the bailiff must determine the amount owed and take enforcement measures. In particular, recovery may be directed at the debtor's property. Even if a debtor has repaid only part of the debt, the remaining amount must still be paid. Partial payment on its own does not allow the enforcement proceedings to be closed.
It is also worth noting that Kazakhstan previously proposed paying subsidies to the families of alimony defaulters, but the government said this would entail significant additional budget spending and that support measures for families are already in place.
Meanwhile, recipients of alimony are not required to account for the money they receive — not to the payer, not to the court and not to private bailiffs. The parent with whom the child lives manages the funds independently.
It should also be borne in mind that bankruptcy proceedings in Kazakhstan, which can relieve citizens of unmanageable debts, do not cover alimony arrears — they must be paid in any case.