On measures to further improve the ethical standards and rules of conduct of civil servants of the Republic of Kazakhstan

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Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 29, 2015 No. 153.

In order to increase the requirements for the moral character and business qualities of civil servants, I DECREE:

1. Approve the attached documents:

1) Ethical Code of Civil Servants of the Republic of Kazakhstan;

2) Regulations on the Ethics Commissioner.

The footnote. Paragraph 1 is amended by Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 02/22/2022 No. 814 (effective from the date of its first official publication).

2. To invalidate certain decrees of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in accordance with the annex to this Decree.

3. This Decree comes into force on January 1, 2016 and is subject to official publication.

President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

N. Nazarbayev

Approved by Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on December 29, 2015 No. 153

Ethical Code of Civil Servants of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The footnote. The Code of Ethics is amended by Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 02/22/2022 No. 814 (effective from the date of its first official publication).

Chapter 1. General provisions

1. The civil service of the Republic of Kazakhstan plays a special role in the life of society. It consists in ensuring the vital activity of society and satisfying public interests in the best and most effective way.

The civil service obliges to show dedication to the interests of society, contribute to strengthening the unity of the people of Kazakhstan and interethnic and interfaith harmony in the country, and respect the state and other languages, traditions and customs of the people of Kazakhstan.

Civil servants in their activities should be committed to public policy and consistently implement it, strive to maintain and strengthen public confidence in public service, the state and its institutions.

The Company expects that civil servants perform their duties and functions competently and effectively in accordance with the laws in good faith.

Public service is an expression of special trust on the part of society and the State and places high demands on the professional ethics of civil servants.

The footnote. Paragraph 1 as amended by Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 07/01/2026 No. 1337.

2. This Code of Ethics for Civil Servants of the Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter referred to as the Code) establishes standards of official ethics for civil servants and is aimed at strengthening public confidence in government agencies, creating a high culture of relationships in the civil service and creating an atmosphere of integrity, as well as preventing cases of unethical behavior of civil servants.

3. The text of the Code is placed in government buildings in places accessible to the public.

4. The standards of professional ethics established by this Code are mandatory for all civil servants.

Chapter 2. Ethical principles of public service

5. The official ethics of civil servants is based on the principles of:

1) integrity – professional and responsible service to the state for the benefit of society;

2) honesty – sincere attitude to one's duties;

3) fairness – making a legitimate decision regardless of the influence of individuals and legal entities, public groups and organizations, and avoiding discrimination against individuals due to bias and subjectivity in any circumstances.;

4) openness – showing willingness to work with the public and ensuring transparency of their actions;

5) politeness – correct and respectful attitude towards citizens and colleagues;

6) customer orientation – taking measures to improve the quality of public services provided, fully focusing on the needs of the population as consumers of public services, and to avoid manifestations of bureaucracy and red tape when considering applications.

Chapter 3. Standards of official ethics of civil servants

6. The following requirements apply to civil servants:

1) be modest, observe generally accepted moral and ethical standards, and do not disseminate information that does not correspond to reality;

2) to resist actions that harm the interests of the state and the rights of citizens;

3) comply with legal restrictions and avoid conflicts of interest;

4) to show correctness in dealing with citizens, not to allow the facts of rudeness, humiliation of honor, dignity, tactlessness and incorrect behavior, not to give rise to criticism by their actions and behavior.;

5) to observe business etiquette and rules of official conduct, to prevent the commission of actions that clearly undermine in the eyes of citizens the honor, dignity and authority of the state bodies of which they are representatives;

6) not to make unlawful promises and not to take unlawful obligations of any kind related to the performance of official duties;

7) not to use his official position to influence the activities of state bodies, organizations, civil servants and other persons in resolving personal issues, as well as related opportunities in the interests of public and religious associations, other non-profit organizations, including to promote his attitude towards them;

8) to ensure the safety of state property, to use state property only for its intended purpose, for the performance of official duties and permitted activities;

9) not to pursue unlawful financial and property interests that hinder the conscientious performance of official duties.

10) refrain from visiting gambling establishments, except in cases related to the performance of official duties.

The footnote. Paragraph 6 as amended by Presidential Decrees No. 396 dated 02.11.2023 (effective ten calendar days after the date of its first official publication); No. 1337 dated 01.07.2026.

7. The appearance of a civil servant in the performance of his official duties should contribute to strengthening the authority of the state apparatus, comply with the generally accepted business style, which is distinguished by formality, restraint and accuracy.

8. Civil servants in official relations with their colleagues must:

1) to promote the establishment and strengthening of business and friendly relationships and constructive cooperation in the team;

2) to prevent or take other measures to prevent violations of the norms of professional ethics by other civil servants;

3) refrain from discussing the personal and professional qualities of colleagues who discredit their honor and dignity in the team;

4) serve as an example of impartiality, justice, selflessness, and respect for the honor and dignity of the individual by their behavior;

5) take measures aimed at creating a favorable moral and psychological atmosphere that excludes any form of discrimination and attacks on the honor and dignity of employees;

6) not to force to commit acts incompatible with generally accepted moral and ethical standards;

7) to prevent unfounded accusations, facts of rudeness, humiliation of honor, dignity, tactlessness and inappropriate behavior towards colleagues;

8) not to impose their religious beliefs on colleagues, not to force subordinate employees to participate in the activities of public and religious associations and other non-profit organizations.

The footnote. Paragraph 8 as amended by Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 07/01/2026 No. 1337.

9. Civil servants should not publicly express their opinions on public policy and official activities if they do not comply with the main directions of public policy, disclose official information that is not allowed to be made public and contain unethical statements addressed to government officials, government agencies, and other civil servants.

Public statements on the activities of a State body are carried out by its head or authorized officials of the state body.

Civil servants should conduct discussions in a correct manner, without undermining the authority of the civil service.

10. Civil servants should adhere to generally accepted moral and ethical standards during off-duty hours, show modesty, not emphasize or use their official position when receiving appropriate services, and avoid cases of antisocial behavior involving an encroachment on public morality.

Chapter 4. Coordination on prevention of professional ethics violations

11. The authorized body for Civil Service Affairs coordinates the prevention of violations of official ethics in accordance with the legislation.

Chapter 5. Responsibility for violation of professional ethics

12. Violation of the standards of professional ethics by civil servants entails disciplinary liability.

Approved by Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on December 29, 2015 No. 153

Position of the Ethics Commissioner

1. General provisions

1. The Ethics Commissioner is a civil servant who carries out activities to ensure compliance with the norms of professional ethics and the prevention of violations of legislation on civil service, anti–corruption and the Code of Ethics of Civil Servants of the Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter referred to as the Code of Ethics), as well as advising civil servants and citizens within the scope of their functions.

2. The Ethics Commissioner is guided in his activities by the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Civil Service of the Republic of Kazakhstan", "On Combating Corruption", the Code of Ethics, this Regulation, as well as other legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

An independent position of ethics commissioner is introduced in central government agencies (with the exception of law enforcement and special government agencies, as well as the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan), which have territorial divisions or territorial divisions of departments, foreign institutions, as well as in the offices of akims of regions, cities of republican significance, the capital.

In government agencies that do not have territorial divisions or territorial divisions of departments (with the exception of law enforcement and special government agencies, as well as the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan), departments and territorial divisions of central government agencies, territorial divisions of departments of central government agencies, foreign institutions, audit commissions, offices of akims of cities of regional significance, districts, In urban areas, the functions of the ethics commissioner are assigned to the adviser to the akim or to the adviser to the first head of the state body. In the absence of the position of adviser, the functions of the ethics Commissioner are assigned to other employees of the above-mentioned state bodies.

The functions of the ethics Commissioner are assigned to a civil servant who has gained recognition and respect in the team.

The footnote. Paragraph 2 is amended by Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 06/05/2023 No. 239 (effective ten calendar days after the date of its first official publication).

3. Persons holding the independent position of ethics commissioner are subordinate to the first head of the state body, coordinate the ethics commissioners of departments and territorial divisions, foreign institutions, local executive bodies of district levels included in the structure of these state bodies, and provide methodological guidance to them.

The footnote. Paragraph 3 is amended by Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 06/05/2023 No. 239 (effective ten calendar days after the date of its first official publication).

2. The main functions of the Ethics Commissioner

4. The Ethics Commissioner, within the limits of his competence, performs the following functions::

1) provides advisory assistance to civil servants on compliance with the requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the areas of public service, anti-corruption and the Code of Ethics;

2) promotes compliance by civil servants with restrictions and prohibitions established by law;

3) on behalf of the management of a state body or within the framework of the powers granted by the head of a state body, considers appeals from individuals and legal entities regarding violations of the norms of official ethics by civil servants.;

4) promotes the formation of a culture of relationships consistent with generally accepted moral and ethical standards in the team;

5) in cases of violation of the rights and legitimate interests of civil servants, take measures aimed at their protection and restoration.;

6) monitors and monitors compliance with the standards of professional ethics by civil servants;

7) informs the management of the state body about cases of failure by the heads of structural divisions of state bodies to take appropriate measures on violations of the norms of official ethics.;

8) in cases of violations by civil servants of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the fields of public service, anti-corruption and the Code of Ethics, analyzes the causes and conditions conducive to the commission of offenses and makes recommendations to the leadership of the state body on their elimination.;

9) In order to prevent and prevent violations of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the fields of public service, anti-corruption and the Code of Ethics, as well as the formation of a positive image of the civil service, it cooperates with civil society institutions and government agencies.;

10) Conducts explanatory work with civil servants on an ongoing basis on compliance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the areas of public service, anti-corruption and the Code of Ethics.;

11) In accordance with the procedure established by law, appeals to relevant officials with a proposal to consider the responsibility of civil servants who have committed violations of the norms of official ethics.;

12) carries out other activities in order to prevent violations of the norms of professional ethics.

The footnote. Paragraph 4 is amended by Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 06/05/2023 No. 239 (effective ten calendar days after the date of its first official publication).

5. To perform the assigned functions, the Ethics Commissioner:

1) requests and receives information and documents necessary to analyze the causes and conditions that contribute to the violation by civil servants of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the areas of public service, anti-corruption and the Code of Ethics;

2) on behalf of the state body in which he/she works, in accordance with the procedure established by law, applies to the relevant authorized bodies for clarification of the norms of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the fields of public service, anti-corruption, as well as the Code of Ethics.;

3) submits a proposal to the head of the state body on encouraging persons who have made a significant contribution to the formation of a positive image of the state body and a positive climate in the team;

4) if necessary, when considering issues within its competence, it has the right to request and receive from the personnel service the personal files of civil servants, other materials and documents related to issues of civil service.

The footnote. Paragraph 5 as amended by Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 07/22/2019 No. 74.

6. The Ethics Commissioner, in cases of receiving an unjustified refusal, failure by the head of a state body to take appropriate measures or commit actions (inaction) that impede the performance of the functions of the ethics Commissioner, notifies the authorized body for civil service affairs (hereinafter referred to as the authorized body) or its territorial subdivision.

Upon receipt of such notification, the authorized body or its territorial subdivision shall take appropriate measures provided for by the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of public service.

The footnote. Paragraph 6 as amended by Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 07/22/2019 No. 74.

3. Organization of the Ethics Commissioner's activities

7. If there are circumstances that raise reasonable doubts about the impartiality of the heads of a state body (conflict of interests), which may lead to improper performance of official duties, the Ethics Commissioner carries out his activities on an independent basis.

8. The Ethics Commissioner submits reports to the authorized body based on the results of his activities. The form and deadlines for submitting reports are approved by the authorized body.

8-1. The Ethics Commissioner's interaction with the authorized anti-corruption body is carried out in accordance with a joint legal act of the authorized body and the authorized anti-corruption body.

The footnote. The Regulation was supplemented by paragraph 8.1 in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 07/17/2023 No. 286 (effective from the date of its first official publication).

9. The Ethics Commissioner receives civil servants and other citizens on issues related to his functions, in case of their requests, or at least once a month according to a schedule posted in places accessible to the public.

If necessary, an interview with a citizen or a government employee can be conducted by telephone or using other means of communication that ensure proper transmission of information.

In accordance with the procedure established by law, information about the ethics Commissioner, including surname, initials, photograph, office and telephone numbers, is posted on the Internet resource of the state body and in places accessible to the public in the building of the state body.

10. In order to monitor compliance with the standards of professional ethics, as well as the state of the moral and psychological climate in the team, at least once every six months, the Ethics Commissioner conducts an anonymous questionnaire in a form approved by the authorized body.

Appendix to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 29, 2015 No. 153

List of expired certain laws of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

1. Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated May 3, 2005 No. 1567 "On the Code of Honor of Civil Servants of the Republic of Kazakhstan" (SAPP of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 2005, No. 19, art. 225).

2. Subparagraph 9) of paragraph 1 of Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated November 27, 2007 No. 446 "On Amendments and additions to Decrees of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan" (SAPP of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 2007, No. 43, art. 499).

3. Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated April 1, 2011 No. 1180 "On Amendments to Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated May 3, 2005 No. 1567" (SAPP of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 2011, No. 30, Article 365).

4. Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated October 1, 2013 No. 651 "On Amendments to Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated May 3, 2005 No. 1567 "On the Code of Honor of Civil Servants of the Republic of Kazakhstan" (SAPP of the Republic of Kazakhstan 2013, No. 58, art. 786).

President

Republic of Kazakhstan

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