Kazakhstan's Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population is rejecting a large share of declarations confirming that new construction projects meet accessibility requirements for people with limited mobility. According to the ministry, as of October 1, 2026, territorial departments received 562 applications to approve such declarations, but only 147 were approved, or 26% of the total, infohub.kz reports.
Another 259 applications, or 46%, were rejected, while the remaining applications are still under review. The Labor Ministry explained that the rejections stem from facilities failing to comply with construction norms and codes on accessibility.
Among the shortcomings identified, the ministry cited the absence of handrails on ramps, their installation in violation of established requirements, and insufficient door width. "Such violations hinder safe access to buildings and the movement of people with limited mobility," the Labor Ministry said.
The ministry also added that some applications concerned facilities for which accessibility approval of the declaration is not required. It noted that since July 1 of this year, territorial departments of the Committee for Regulation and Control in the Sphere of Social Protection of the Population of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan have been approving declarations on ensuring accessibility of facilities for persons with disabilities and other groups with limited mobility. This function is being carried out in connection with the entry into force of the Construction Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
It was emphasized that when reviewing a declaration, territorial departments confirm compliance with requirements for ensuring access and movement for people with limited mobility, and their approval relates specifically to the accessibility of the facility. Accessibility assessment, as noted, requires an integrated approach.
"It is important to take into account not only the presence of a ramp or handrails, but also a person's ability to safely enter a building, move inside it, and use the necessary services. This includes the accessibility of entrances and movement routes, compliance of ramps, handrails, and doorways with established requirements, accessibility of sanitary facilities, and the availability of necessary visual, tactile, and other navigation. The needs of various categories of people with limited mobility are taken into account, including wheelchair users and people with visual and hearing impairments," the Labor Ministry explained.