OREANDA-NEWS. October 16, 2014. Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of Kazakhstan offers to abolish quotas and permits for self-employment of foreign highly qualified specialists. It was reported by Minister Tamara Duissenova at a joint meeting of the Social Council under the faction of "Nur Otan" and the Committee on Social and Cultural Development of the Majilis.

"We first determined the direction of formation of highly qualified specialists market. What we plan to provide? First and foremost, self-employment, self-involvement of foreign experts outside the quota and without permits. Until now, despite the fact that there a list defined by the Government, there were permissions. Now we offer to do this out of quota, without permits, and certificates of qualification will be issued instead of permit," T. Duissenova said.

Talking about the innovations contained in the bill prepared by the Ministry, she noted with such certificate, a specialist can get a jab anywhere by his or her qualification. A foreigner will be given three months for employment in Kazakhstan. All the documents for getting a certificate can be submitted to the Embassy of Kazakhstan while abroad, or, if in the Republic of Kazakhstan, to the Citizen Service Center.

Minister said that scoring system adopted by many countries around the world will be used. The Government will first determine the list of priority sectors, and then priority specialties will be identified for these industries. A list of these specialties will be posted on the website of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development.

Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of Kazakhstan offers to establish quota for foreign labour, on the basis of the number of workers in the industry.

According to her, the current quotas for attracting foreign labour force are being determined on the basis of economically active population. At the same time, no one knows what industry needs more foreign labour.

T. Duissenova also reported that the permits will be chargeable, which will simplify the procedure of hiring foreign labour, as well as monitoring through tax office. In addition, state budget will be increased to a certain extent.

As reported at the meeting, as of 2014, quota for labour attraction is set at 0.7 per cent of economically active population.

Minister also noted that the bill provides for measures for attracting talented foreign youth by providing grants for training. After training, grant recipients will be given the opportunity to work in Kazakhstan out of quotas and permits for three years.