Kazakhstan has updated the mechanism for providing financial assistance to its citizens who find themselves in difficult situations abroad. Under an order signed on December 31, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan approved a new version of the rules governing the use of budget funds for protecting the rights and interests of Kazakh citizens overseas. The new rules come into force on January 16, 2026.
The changes clarify when state support can be provided, what expenses may be covered, and how assistance will be delivered in emergency situations, DKNews.kz reports.
What is considered a “difficult situation”
The updated rules clearly define the circumstances under which a Kazakh citizen may qualify for financial assistance abroad. These include:
- force majeure events, such as natural disasters, military actions, or a state of emergency in the host country;
- illegal transportation of Kazakh citizens into a foreign state;
- unlawful actions directed against the Republic of Kazakhstan;
- death of a Kazakh citizen abroad.
What expenses can be covered
If a citizen has no access to personal funds or is unable to use them, the state may provide assistance to cover the following costs:
1. Return to Kazakhstan
- transportation expenses from the foreign country to Kazakhstan, not exceeding the cost of an economy-class airline ticket.
2. One-time financial assistance
- food expenses - up to USD 80 per day, for a maximum of three days;
- accommodation - up to USD 100 per day, for no more than three days;
- essential items - up to USD 280, if such items are unavailable.
3. In the event of death abroad
- transportation of the body (coffin or urn with ashes) to Kazakhstan;
- embalming;
- storage of the body in a morgue;
- burial or cremation in the host country;
- shipment of the deceased’s personal belongings.
All financial assistance is provided on a non-reimbursable basis.
How to apply for assistance
An application may be submitted by:
- the citizen concerned;
- their relatives;
- their legal representatives.
Applications are accepted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Kazakhstan’s foreign missions. The application must include:
- identification document details;
- place of residence in Kazakhstan and in the host country;
- a description of the circumstances leading to the difficult situation;
- justification for the need for financial assistance;
- information on whether inviting individuals or organisations are obliged to cover the related expenses.
Supporting documents issued by the competent authorities of the host country must be attached.
How applications are reviewed
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs forwards the application and documents to the relevant foreign mission within one working day and notifies the applicant.
The foreign mission reviews the case within three working days, during which it:
- verifies the circumstances and authenticity of the documents;
- determines whether inviting parties are obliged to reimburse expenses;
- assists in establishing contact with family members;
- liaises with local authorities;
- submits a recommendation to the ministry if there are no grounds for refusal.
When assistance may be denied
Financial assistance will not be provided if:
- false information is submitted or required documents are missing;
- the situation arose due to a violation of the host country’s laws;
- the incident occurred due to the citizen’s own fault, including alcohol or drug intoxication;
- death resulted from suicide or euthanasia;
- the citizen has valid medical insurance;
- expenses are covered by inviting individuals or organisations.
If assistance is denied, the foreign mission informs the ministry within one working day.
How funds are provided
Financial assistance may be delivered by:
- paying service providers in the host country directly;
- providing cash to the applicant;
- transferring funds via payment documents.
What this means for citizens
The updated rules make the system of assistance to Kazakh citizens abroad more transparent and clearly regulated. They define both the limits of state support and the procedures for receiving it in emergency situations.
At the same time, the changes serve as a reminder of the importance of travel insurance. While the state is ready to step in during truly critical situations, personal responsibility remains essential when travelling abroad.
