A number of important changes come into force in Kazakhstan starting November 1. They include the election of maslikhat deputies, an electronic permit system for foreigners, and a new procedure for booking electronic queues on the border with Uzbekistan. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.

Elections of maslikhat deputies

Today, November 1, the registration of candidates for maslikhat deputies ends at 18:00. Pre-election campaigning will be held from November 2 to 27, and November 28 is designated as a day of silence. On November 29, early elections of maslikhat deputies at all levels will take place.

Earlier, Tokayev explained the reason for holding this political campaign this year. According to the president, most deputies were elected from the "Amanat" party. This political organization merged with the "Adilet" party and ceased its activities. Consequently, a question arises regarding the legitimacy of the activities of deputies who hold a majority in the maslikhats. In such a case, new elections must be held.

The upcoming elections are planned to elect 3,447 deputies of 228 maslikhats. 668 deputies to 20 regional maslikhats; 626 deputies to 38 city maslikhats; 2,153 deputies to 170 district maslikhats. During the elections, funds are allocated from the budget to each candidate.

QazETA electronic permits for foreigners

From November 1, the QazETA electronic permit system is being gradually introduced. Foreigners who can enter Kazakhstan visa-free must obtain an electronic permit. Initially, this system will be introduced at Aktau International Airport, as well as at the border checkpoints "Orlitobe" (Pavlodar region), "Aukatty" (Zhambyl region), "Atameken" (Turkestan region) and "Nurly Zhol" (Zhetisu region).

Permits can be obtained at least 72 hours before entry into the country, after passing personal identification or authentication, through the official QazETA mobile application. For now, obtaining an electronic permit is not a mandatory requirement. From July 1, 2027, all foreign citizens entering Kazakhstan must obtain a QazETA permit. Children under 16 and citizens over 65 can enter without an electronic permit.

Electronic queue on the border with Uzbekistan

From November 9, 2026, at three checkpoints on the border between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, when booking an electronic queue, carriers must pay a guarantee fee of 20 MCI, which is 86,500 tenge. The new requirement applies to carriers engaged in international freight transport and passing through the checkpoints "Kazygurt", "B. Konysbayev" and "Atameken".

To book an electronic queue, the carrier must have the required amount of the guarantee fee in a special electronic account. If the vehicle arrives at the checkpoint at the designated time, the funds are automatically returned to the carrier's account in full. If the carrier fails to arrive at the checkpoint at the booked time twice in a row within 90 calendar days, the guarantee fee is not refunded.