Kazakhstan to prevent pedophiles, extremists and terrorists from entering the country and receiving citizenship

Kazakhstan is set to prevent pedophiles, extremists and terrorists from entering the country. The Mazhilis, the lower house of the country’s parliament, has adopted a new law aimed at improving national legislation in the sphere of migration and the penitentiary system.

The document proposes limiting entry to Kazakhstan for individuals with criminal records related to sex crimes against children, who will also be barred from obtaining Kazakhstani citizenship.

«In addition, we will ban entry to our country for any foreigner involved in extremism and terrorism,» the Mazhilis stated.

On the other hand, under the new law, even expired documents of Kazakhstani citizens will be considered valid during emergencies.

«The law allows the use of expired documents during emergencies. Such documents will be considered valid regardless of their issuance date,» the Mazhilis said in a statement.

The draft law was initially announced in November 2021 when MPs began reviewing the document.

What is the punishment for sex crimes against children in Kazakhstan? The country’s legal system considers sex crimes against children as among the most severe crimes. Offenders may face up to 20 years in prison if the victim is a teenager and a possible life sentence if the crime is committed against a child under 14.

On September 1, 2023, Commissioner for Children’s Rights Dinara Zakiyeva suggested strengthening punishment for sexual assaults against children.

The official believes that the country’s Criminal Code should be expanded to include a new article addressing violence against minors. This article should cover all forms of crimes and abuses against minors, with heightened penalties for such offenses.