To protect the domestic labour market, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan annually establishes and distributes a quota for attracting foreign labour (hereinafter referred to as "foreign labour force" or "FLF") based on employer requirements. For 2026, the total quota has been set at 0.25% of the country's total workforce.

The 2026 foreign labour quota is divided into four categories as follows:

• Category I (Executives and Deputy Executives): 726 permits

• Category II (Heads of Structural Subdivisions): 3,402 permits

• Category III (Specialists): 5,893 permits

• Category IV (Skilled Workers): 3,131 permits

The majority of the permits are allocated to Category III and Category IV. Additionally, a quota of up to 4,994 people has been allocated for seasonal work.

Furthermore, the 2026 quota for labour immigrants employed in households is set at 2.9% of the Republic’s total workforce.