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Kazakhstan is set to introduce a new draft law governing the public service sector، with significant implications for civil servant salaries، vacation time، and other benefits. The proposed legislation، which was reviewed in its first reading by Members of Parliament on March 18، outlines updated regulations for salary adjustments، the payment of 'wellness' allowances، and the sources of funding for these provisions.

Salary Adjustments and Funding Sources

Under the new proposal، the primary source of funding for civil servant salaries will continue to be the state budget. However، certain entities، such as the National Bank، may use their own funds for remuneration. The draft law also permits the utilization of funds from the Special State Fund. This fund is replenished through the recovery of assets that were illegally acquired or expatriated.

The Special State Fund is a governmental account dedicated to receiving money returned to the country from illicitly obtained assets. These recovered funds are then allocated for public benefit، typically supporting social programs or economic development initiatives.

Determining Salary Increases

Civil servant salaries will be determined by their job responsibilities، duties، and performance outcomes. This means that as workload and efficiency increase، remuneration is expected to rise accordingly. The draft law mandates that salaries be reviewed regularly، at least once every three years، to account for inflation.

An employee's length of service will also play a crucial role in salary determination. All time spent in public service، and in some cases، other relevant professional experiences، will be considered. A longer service record may lead to a higher salary.

The Agency for Public Service Affairs highlighted a specific provision: "For civil servants with at least 25 years of service، a payment equivalent to 4 official salaries is envisioned upon retirement. This measure is aimed at ensuring fairness and honoring their many years of service to the state."

Deductions and Temporary Appointments

The law also addresses situations where deductions may be made from a civil servant's salary. For instance، if a civil servant fails to complete their required training، salary deductions may occur. Importantly، even if multiple deductions are applicable، the total amount withheld from a monthly salary will not exceed 50 percent.

The legislation clarifies that individuals temporarily appointed to public service positions، such as those awaiting verification or filling a vacancy، will receive the minimum salary established for that role.

Vacation and Wellness Allowances

Civil servants are entitled to a minimum of 30 calendar days of paid annual leave. Alongside their vacation، they will receive a 'wellness' allowance، equivalent to two months' salary. This allowance is provided once a year، even if the vacation is taken in parts.

The duration of vacation leave will increase with the length of service. After 10 years، employees gain an additional 3 days؛ after 15 years، 5 days؛ and after 20 years، 10 extra days. An additional 3 days may be granted for participation in sports and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

While vacations are typically taken according to a schedule، they can be divided. However، at least one portion of the leave must be a minimum of two weeks. Unused vacation days can be carried over to the next year، up to a maximum of 30 days. Vacation pay and wellness allowances must be disbursed at least three days before the leave begins.

The law also allows for additional short leaves of up to 10 days for specific life events، such as marriage، the birth of a child، or the death of a close relative. Educational leave is also covered؛ salaries are maintained if an employee is sent for professional development، while unpaid leave may be granted for studies under special programs، such as those abroad.

In cases of necessity، an employee can be recalled from vacation، sometimes without their consent، for emergencies، accidents، or urgent tasks. The unused days will be granted later or compensated financially. If an employee leaves their position without utilizing their accrued vacation time، they are generally entitled to compensation for all unused days.

It is worth noting that a five-year moratorium on salary increases for ministers، deputies، and akims (regional governors) is currently in effect in Kazakhstan. Additionally، new requirements for entering public service are being introduced، mandating basic knowledge in artificial intelligence for candidates.

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