Kazakhstan is strengthening its labour inspection system through enhanced skills in strategic compliance planning and resource management, following a three-day workshop organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
From 26 to 28 November, senior and regional labour inspectors, legal specialists, and staff from the Committee of State Labour Inspection of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Kazakhstan participated in the ILO’s Strategic Compliance Planning (SCP) workshop. The initiative aims to equip the national inspectorate with forward-looking strategies to ensure effective enforcement of labour standards, particularly as traditional inspection approaches face limitations in today’s evolving world of work.
Kazakhstan, an ILO member since 1993, has ratified both the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), and the Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No. 129). The workshop introduced participants to a six-step SCP methodology, including analysis of the inspection system, identification of compliance challenges, mapping of stakeholders, and development of time-bound enforcement measures. The training focused on practical exercises and pilot interventions in two priority sectors: mining and construction.
Ms. Rumsha Shahzad, ILO Technical Officer for Compliance and Technology, led the workshop, guiding participants through sector-specific challenges and strategic inspection planning.
At the opening session, Mukhtar Tinekeev, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, emphasized the importance of the State Labour Inspectorate’s independence, trust-building, expanded mandate, and robust legal safeguards to protect workers’ life and health. Kanybek Zhanbyrbayev, General Director of the National Confederation of Employers “PARYZ,” highlighted the need for genuine tripartism and a shift from punitive enforcement toward prevention and compliance support.
Meirambek Akhmetov, Chairman of the Committee of State Labour Inspection, stressed the value of introducing advanced international practices while respecting national legislation, and expressed commitment to further strengthening the professional capacity of labour inspectors. Darko Dochinski, ILO specialist for Labour Administration, Labour Inspection, and Occupational Safety and Health, noted that trust and support from social partners are key to building a stronger, more independent, and professional labour inspection system.
Through this workshop, Kazakhstan is taking significant steps to modernize labour inspections, enhance compliance, and safeguard workers’ rights across the country’s priority sectors.
