The key facts

  • Discussed the possibility of crossing the border with identity documents instead of foreign passports
  • Considered privileges for Uzbek citizens under the QazETA electronic entry permit
  • Touched upon organized employment of Uzbek citizens in Kazakhstan

Talks at the Foreign Ministry: what was discussed

On November 11, Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Olimjon Abdullayev held a meeting with Kazakhstan's Ambassador to our country Yerlan Tughzhanov, the Foreign Ministry press service reported, as cited by Zamon.uz. The talks covered issues of protecting citizens' rights and legitimate interests, facilitating mutual travel, and removing obstacles when crossing the state border.

Documents instead of passports and the QazETA system

The key topic was an exchange of views on the possibility of crossing the border using identity documents — that is, without foreign passports. Separately discussed was the possibility of granting certain privileges to citizens of Uzbekistan under the QazETA electronic entry permit system being introduced by Kazakhstan.

Employment and conditions of stay

The parties also discussed organized employment of Uzbek citizens in Kazakhstan, improvement of the relevant legislative framework, and the creation of favorable conditions for citizens' stay in the two countries. Following the meeting, the parties stated their readiness to continue dialogue and develop practical cooperation in the areas outlined.

What is important to understand

So far this is only an exchange of views at the level of deputy minister and ambassador: none of the discussed changes — neither border crossing with internal documents nor privileges under QazETA — has been adopted, and no implementation timelines have been announced. For readers, this means that the practical conditions for travel to Kazakhstan have not changed yet, and real changes can be judged only by subsequent decisions of the two countries.