In Kazakhstan, employees enjoy specific rights to annual and other types of leave, governed by the Labor Code. The legislation provides comprehensive guidelines on paid vacation, sick leave, social leave, and public holidays. Below is an overview of these regulations to help both employers and employees better understand their rights and obligations.

Paid Annual Leave

Employees in Kazakhstan are entitled to a minimum of 24 calendar days of paid vacation each year, as mandated by the Labor Code. It's important to note that this excludes official public holidays, meaning these days do not count toward the 24 days of annual leave.

Annual Leave Accrual and Usage

Annual leave is earned throughout the employment year and can be carried over to the following year if not fully used. However, it's advised to take this leave within three years of accruing it. In exceptional cases, this carry-over period can be extended, depending on specific circumstances.

Unused Leave Compensation

If an employee’s contract is terminated, they are entitled to receive compensation for any unused paid leave. The Labor Code prohibits replacing annual leave with cash compensation while the employee is still employed, except in cases where employment ends.

Additional Leave for Hazardous Conditions

Employees working in dangerous or harmful environments may qualify for extra paid leave. The amount of additional leave depends on the severity and specifics of the working conditions.

Public Holidays in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan celebrates a variety of national, secular, and religious holidays. These holidays are officially recognized and often result in days off for employees.

National Holidays

Some key national holidays include:

   New Year’s Day: January 1st and 2nd

   International Women's Day: March 8th

   Nauryz Meyramy: March 21st to 23rd, celebrating the Kazakh New Year

   Kazakhstan People’s Unity Day: May 1st

   Defender of the Fatherland Day: May 7th

   Victory Day: May 9th

   Capital City Day (Astana Day): July 6th

   Constitution Day: August 30th

   First President Day: December 1st

   Independence Day: December 16th

Religious Holidays

Kazakhstan also observes religious holidays, including:

   Orthodox Christmas: January 7th

   Qurban Ait (Eid al-Adha): This Islamic holiday varies each year according to the lunar calendar.

For accurate dates of religious holidays, it is recommended to follow official government announcements, as they can shift from year to year.

Different Types of Leave in Kazakhstan

The Labor Code specifies several types of leave in addition to annual paid leave.

Social Leave

Employees may request unpaid leave for personal matters, though the employer’s approval is required. Those engaged in education may be eligible for a combination of paid and unpaid leave to cover exam preparation, coursework, and other academic activities. Maternity leave is another key provision, with female employees entitled to paid maternity leave and up to three years of unpaid leave for childcare.

Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to sick leave, provided they submit a valid medical certificate. The duration of this leave is determined by the healthcare professionals, based on the illness's severity and treatment needs.

Other Types of Leave

Short-term paid leave is available for life events such as getting married or attending the funeral of a close family member.

Legal Framework

All these leave provisions are outlined in the Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which serves as the primary legal document regulating labor rights. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population is the official government agency responsible for overseeing labor policies and ensuring that both employers and employees comply with these rules.

By understanding the leave policies in Kazakhstan, both employers and employees can better navigate the expectations and benefits of the country's labor laws, ensuring a fair and balanced work environment for all.