This July will be remembered for significant changes. Starting this month, the new Constitution comes into force. Under it, large-scale transformations will be implemented. Additionally, an important system related to QR payments will be launched. Thousands of applicants will also submit documents for the grant competition. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Kurultai elections to be held
From today, the Constitution adopted at the republican referendum has entered into force in Kazakhstan. According to it, the bicameral parliament ceases its work. Instead, a unicameral parliament – the Kurultai – is created. Under the new Constitution, the president must announce elections for the Kurultai within one month. The elections for the unicameral parliament must be held within two months. After the first session of the Kurultai opens in September, a vice-president will be appointed within two months. Deputies of the Kurultai must give their consent. After the Kurultai is elected, the government resigns. Before that, several leaders will be reappointed.
People's Council to be established
Another innovation of the new Constitution is the People's Council of Kazakhstan. This will be a high advisory body representing the interests of the people and will consist of citizens of Kazakhstan. The main powers of the Council include: determining the main directions of the state's domestic policy, strengthening public harmony, national unity and solidarity; developing proposals and recommendations on promoting the principles underlying the activities of the Republic of Kazakhstan and national values; introducing bills to the Kurultai; initiating the appointment of a nationwide referendum. The Council will be given the functions of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. The Assembly itself ceases its activities.
Requirements for scooters
From July 1, strict requirements for electric scooters are introduced in the country. They include: a ban on riding on sidewalks; rental only to citizens aged 18 and over with a driver's license; installation of registration plates (state numbers) on scooters; execution of a mandatory insurance policy; limiting the maximum speed of electric scooters to 25 km/h. Earlier, the JET service reported that the mobile application will require entering an IIN. This will allow automatic verification of the presence of a driver's license and whether a person has been deprived of the right to drive.
Military conscription goes digital
On July 4, changes to the rules for conscription and its organization come into force. Under them, citizens' medical examination results, personal data, criminal record information and other documents will be uploaded to an electronic database. "Orders for conscription or sending to military training will be processed through a digital system. If necessary, a temporary paper version will be used, which will then be entered into the system," say ministry specialists. If there is no connection between systems, information is requested from the relevant authorities within 3 working days. Earlier, the ministry reported that three thousand reservists would be involved in planned training exercises.
Changes in lending procedure
From this month, people without a permanent income will not be able to get a loan. For this, banks are obliged to comply with several requirements. The new rule introduces a person's debt burden ratio and the ratio of debt to monthly income. Banks and microfinance organizations are obliged to take these ratios into account when issuing loans. Banks and MFOs determine the presence of official income in several ways. These include: pension contributions; mandatory medical insurance contributions. Thus, if a person has official and permanent income, their chances of getting a loan increase.
Grant competition starts
From July 13 to 20, documents will be accepted for the grant competition for universities. "Documents can be submitted offline through university admissions committees (online through virtual admissions committees) or online via eGov," say specialists. Required documents for participation in the grant competition: identity card; UNT certificate; 3×4 photo; secondary education certificate or diploma for college graduates; supporting documents for participation in the competition under a preferential category. For the specialty "Flight operation of aircraft and engines," a medical conclusion from a flight expert commission is required.
Unified QR payment introduced
From July 19, banks in Kazakhstan will switch to a unified QR code system. Thanks to this, consumers will be able to make payments using any bank's application. And store sellers will not need to keep terminals of several banks. It is worth noting that the implementation of this initiative has been delayed. Because banks carried out technical work to integrate their systems into a single model. And some have managed to introduce a palm payment system alongside QR during this time.
Gas becomes more expensive
In July, it is planned to increase the wholesale price of commercial gas by 33 percent. The main goal is to attract more funds for opening new fields. According to the three-year plan of the Ministry of Energy, the wholesale price of gas will increase by 33 percent annually. The maximum price of liquefied petroleum gas will not change.
Changes in marketplace operations
In July, changes regarding goods purchased on foreign marketplaces come into force in the EAEU countries, including Kazakhstan. For such goods, customs declaration, duty and tax are introduced. The limit for duty-free import of goods remains the same – 200 euros. If the price of the goods exceeds this amount, a single duty of 5 percent is charged. In addition, a value-added tax of 16 percent of the price of the goods is withheld.
How many days off in July
This month, due to the Day of Astana, there is a three-day holiday. Thanks to this, those working a five-day work week will rest for three consecutive days – July 4, 5 and 6. For a six-day work week, there will be two consecutive days off.