“Ata Zholy” Cards: Ethnic Kazakhs Worldwide Embrace Integration Opportunity
Since July 2023, ethnic Kazakhs living abroad have been able to obtain "Ata Zholy" cards, facilitating their integration with their historical homeland, as directed by the Head of State. This initiative includes streamlined entry and exit procedures.
According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 65 “Ata Zholy” cards have been issued to ethnic Kazakhs who are citizens of other countries, granting them the right to live and work in Kazakhstan for 10 years. 27 cards were granted to business immigrants ready to develop their businesses in the republic, while 38 were awarded to in-demand specialists.
Recipients of the “Ata Zholy” card include professionals such as a physicist engineer, a mathematical engineer, chemical technologists, maxillofacial surgeons, pediatricians, and others from Russia, Germany, Mongolia, China, the USA, Israel, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Finland, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.
The “Ata Zholy” card aims to strengthen ties with the historical homeland, preserve national traditions, and attract professionals and successful businesspeople to realize their potential in Kazakhstan. The card is provided to ethnic Kazakhs residing abroad without requiring them to renounce their current citizenship.
Upon entering the country, “Ata Zholy” cardholders receive a residence permit for 10 years and can independently choose a region for employment or business activities.
An ethnic Kazakh with an “Ata Zholy” card, while remaining a citizen of another country, enjoys equal rights with citizens of Kazakhstan and kandas (repatriated Kazakhs).
Holders of the “Ata Zholy” card (and their family members) are entitled to:
Receive social benefits and medical services within the guaranteed scope of medical assistance.
- Seek employment in Kazakhstan in accordance with the Labor Code and the Law “On Population Migration.”
- Conduct entrepreneurial activities in Kazakhstan under the Entrepreneurial Code and other legal acts.
- Receive free secondary education in state educational institutions and, on a competitive basis, free specialized secondary and/or higher education in state institutions, as well as paid education in private institutions, in accordance with the Law “On Education.”
- Obtain state-guaranteed legal aid under the Law “On Advocacy and Legal Aid.”
- Acquire citizenship of the Republic of Kazakhstan through a simplified procedure in accordance with international treaties and legislative acts.
“Ata Zholy” cardholders cannot vote or be elected to the Parliament and maslikhats of Kazakhstan, participate in national referendums, or access public service positions.
The “Ata Zholy” card becomes invalid if the holder obtains Kazakh citizenship.
