Kazakhstan's participation in the implementation of the Global Compact on Migration

On November 12, 2020, the first intergovernmental conference on the regional review of the implementation of the Global Compact for safe, orderly and regular migration (GDM) was held in a virtual format.

For reference: The GDM is the first intergovernmental agreement prepared under the auspices of the UN and covers all aspects of international migration. Although the document is not legally binding, it demonstrates countries' commitment to international cooperation in the field of migration.

The event was attended by about 400 representatives of member States of the UN Economic Commission for Europe; intergovernmental organizations; UN bodies, specialized agencies and funds; all stakeholders from the UNECE region, including migrants, civil society, migrant and diaspora organizations, local authorities and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The purpose of the event was to review progress made in implementing the GDM at the regional level.

During his speech, Minister of labor and social protection of Kazakhstan B.Nurymbetov said that Kazakhstan, as a country of transit and destination of migrants, is an active participant in global processes in this area. He noted a number of measures taken by the country to support migrants.

According to the Minister, Kazakhstan is implementing the concept of migration policy until 2021, as part of the implementation of the GDM, the Republic of Kazakhstan is working to improve labor and migration legislation, simplify the visa regime, the procedure for issuing invitations, entry and registration of staying foreigners.

B.Nurymbetov also said that by joining the GDM, Kazakhstan has implemented the «e-Visa» project, under which foreign citizens of 117 countries can get e-visas without applying to the Embassy.

Noting that in order to solve the problems of mixed migration, a regional dialogue called the «Almaty process» was initiated in 2011, the Minister proposed to use the platform of the UN Interregional center for SDGfor Central Asia and Kazakhstan created in Almaty for the effective implementation of the goals of the GDM in the Central Asian region.

Emphasizing that Kazakhstan, among other States, signed a Joint statement on the impact of COVID-19 on migrants, the Minister said that stabilizing anti-crisis measures are being taken in the context of the pandemic, including protecting the rights of migrants.

In conclusion, B.Nurymbetov said that Kazakhstan will continue to work for the implementation of the GDM.