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Writer's pictureZhamilya Akhmetova

Tackling Unemployment in Kazakhstan



Kazakhstan has been facing the problem of unemployment for many years.

Kazakhstan Unemployment Rate is updated monthly, available from Jan 2001 to Jul 2023, with an average rate of 5.30%. The data reached an all-time high of 12.90% in Jan 2001 and a record low of 4.70% in Jul 2023. The unemployment rate declined slightly to 4.7% in Q2 2023, from 4.9% in 2022.

The issue of unemployment is complex, with structural, economic, social, and cultural factors contributing to the issue. The intersectoral movement of labor due to structural changes in the economy is one of the key problems in the field of employment in Kazakhstan. The research shows that there is a mismatch between the skills of young people and the jobs available in the market. The lack of vocational education and training programs is another reason for unemployment in Kazakhstan. Changes in labor relations due to the emergence of new types and forms of employment that conflict with current legislation and increase the risks of social insecurity of workers. Unemployment can be voluntary, linked to the reluctance of people to work.

The problem of rising unemployment requires new methods, ways, and approaches to its solution. The issue of youth employment is a pressing concern for many developing countries, including Kazakhstan. Activating the skills of those most exposed to the risk of falling into long-term unemployment, particularly youth, older workers, and people with disabilities, is a key priority.

When people are unemployed, they are not producing goods or services, which can lead to a reduction in gross domestic product (GDP). Prolonged unemployment can lead to an erosion of skills, which can rob the economy of otherwise useful talents. Unemployment can lead to increased poverty levels, which can have negative consequences for individuals and society as a whole. Consumer and business confidence are key to economic recoveries, and workers must feel confident in their future to invest in developing the skills and building the savings that the economy needs to grow in the future.


Dealing with them:

- Expanding vocational education and training programs: The research identifies several potential solutions, including expanding vocational education and training programs.

- Promoting entrepreneurship: Promoting entrepreneurship can be another solution to unemployment in Kazakhstan.

- Improving access to information and support services for young people: Improving access to information and support services for young people can help them find jobs that match their skills.


- Consolidation of the relevant legal provisions specific employment system: Analysis of the current state of the labor market in Kazakhstan needs urgent actions in prevention and reducing unemployment, including creation and consolidation of the relevant legal provisions specific employment system which guarantees realization of citizens' rights in the field of labor and employment and meets modern economic realities.


- Activating the skills of those most exposed to the risk of falling into long-term unemployment: Activating the skills of those most exposed to the risk of falling into long-term unemployment, particularly youth, older workers, and people with disabilities, is a key priority.


In conclusion, Kazakhstan needs to expand vocational education and training programs, promote entrepreneurship, improve access to information and support services for young people, consolidate the relevant legal provisions specific employment system, and activate the skills of those most exposed to the risk of falling into long-term unemployment.


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