ASTANA – Kazakhstan has issued 65 "Ata Zholy" cards, granting ethnic Kazakhs living abroad the right to live and work in the country for 10 years, according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population. The initiative aims to attract skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to contribute to Kazakhstan's development while strengthening ties with its historical diaspora.

Of the 65 recipients, 27 are business immigrants, while 38 are skilled professionals in fields ranging from engineering and physics to medicine and technology. The diverse group of professionals includes engineers, physicists, mathematicians, chemical technologists, maxillofacial surgeons, and pediatricians, hailing from countries such as China, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, the Netherlands, Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan.

The "Ata Zholy" card program is designed to preserve national traditions and foster connections with ethnic Kazakhs living abroad without requiring them to renounce their current citizenship. Cardholders receive a 10-year residence permit upon arrival in Kazakhstan and can choose their region of residence, where they can pursue employment or business opportunities.

While retaining their foreign citizenship, "Ata Zholy" cardholders enjoy the same rights and benefits as Kazakh residents. This includes access to healthcare, education, and social services. However, they are not eligible to vote, run for public office, participate in national referendums, or work in public service. Furthermore, the "Ata Zholy" card becomes invalid if the holder acquires Kazakh citizenship. The program represents Kazakhstan's ongoing efforts to attract talent and bolster its economy by engaging with its global diaspora.

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