Kazakhstan's Operation Illegal (Nelegal) has stopped over 15,800 violations of migration legislation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported. Courts issued 2,243 decisions on expulsion, while 2,479 foreigners had their stay in the country shortened. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Key results of the operation
The operational and preventive measure ran from October 5 to 16. Police checked places where foreigners live in compact groups, construction sites, markets, and enterprises and organizations using foreign labor.
Individuals and legal entities were briefed on the requirements for providing housing to foreigners, their registration, and employment.
Administrative liability
For violating the rules of stay in Kazakhstan, 7,595 foreigners were brought to administrative liability, and another 3,899 for illegal labor activity.
Measures were also taken against 815 employers who hired foreign workers without the necessary permits. Another 3,533 individuals and legal entities were held liable for failing to notify internal affairs bodies in a timely manner about foreigners staying with them.
Forced expulsion
A total of 236 foreign citizens were forcibly expelled from the country. All of them were banned from entering Kazakhstan for five years.
During the checks, 14 foreigners who illegally crossed the state border were identified. Investigations into these facts are being conducted jointly with the Border Service.
Foreigners on the wanted list
In addition, 62 foreign citizens were detained who were on the wanted list and hiding in Kazakhstan from law enforcement agencies of their states.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, one of the main reasons for illegal migration remains the desire of some individuals to gain quick profit bypassing the law. The ministry noted that in some cases Kazakh citizens facilitate the illegal entry of foreigners, organize their stay, provide housing, and engage them in work without permits.
Situation in the regions
In Almaty region, a Kazakh citizen was detained on suspicion of organizing illegal migration and providing housing to foreigners who violated migration legislation. Similar facts were revealed in Zhambyl and Pavlodar regions.
In Shymkent, about 40 foreigners working without proper permits were found at one of the construction sites. Similar violations were established in Almaty, Karaganda, Almaty, Atyrau, Mangistau, East Kazakhstan, Kostanay, and North Kazakhstan regions. Measures provided for by law were taken against the workers and employers.
Investigations were also launched against 10 employers who violated the procedure for attracting foreign labor two or more times during the year. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, they face criminal liability for repeated violations.
Public order violators
Police sent 31 petitions to courts for the expulsion of foreigners who systematically violated public order. This refers to repeated offenses not related to migration legislation, including obscene statements.
Such measures were initiated in Shymkent, Almaty, Abai, Aktobe, Almaty, Mangistau, Kostanay, and Turkestan regions. If courts decide on expulsion, these foreigners will be banned from entering Kazakhstan for five years.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs said it will continue to identify channels of illegal migration and hold those involved accountable. The ministry reminded that everyone in the country, regardless of citizenship, must comply with Kazakhstan's laws.
Earlier, Kursiv wrote that during a check of compliance with migration legislation in Kazakhstan, 13 Chinese citizens suspected of involvement in cyber fraud were identified. According to the National Security Committee, on October 16 they were expelled from the country and handed over to Chinese authorities for further investigation.