Kazakhstan Plans to Subsidize Jobs for Shepherds and Herders

Kazakhstan is considering subsidizing jobs for shepherds and herders. The relevant measures are included in the Livestock Development Plan for 2026–2030, which contains a set of initiatives aimed at workforce development in agriculture and social support for employees of the agro-industrial complex.

One of the pressing issues in the sector remains the shortage of shepherds and herders. In this regard, the government intends to develop a mechanism for subsidizing jobs for this category of specialists. If necessary, amendments to existing regulatory legal acts will be introduced.

In addition, to strengthen social protection for workers engaged in transhumant livestock farming, the professions of shepherd and herder are proposed to be included in the list of occupations with hazardous working conditions. According to an order of the Ministry of Health, such status grants the right to additional paid annual leave and increased wages.

The issue of calculating preferential service years for shepherds and herders working in transhumant livestock farming, when determining service in hazardous working conditions, will also be reviewed.

Another support measure will be partial reimbursement of employers' costs for constructing rental housing in rural areas for livestock specialists. It is proposed to set the subsidy rate at 50% of construction costs, including expenses for building works and the preparation of design and estimate documentation, with the establishment of a maximum cost limit.