AI may replace up to 400,000 workers in Kazakhstan
The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence could lead to the loss of 300,000 to 400,000 jobs in Kazakhstan, First Vice Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Yerbol Tuyakbayev said during the Senate briefing, Qazinform News Agency reports.
According to Tuyakbayev, the Workforce Development Center studies the current impact of AI on the labor market.
Tuyakbayev said that, based on their data, the mass implementation of AI over the next decade may lead to job cuts primarily among support staff, such as those in accounting and legal services, where direct human involvement is not required. The estimated number of jobs potentially affected in these sectors ranges from 300,000 to 400,000.
The vice minister noted that the government department is already preparing for these changes by expanding retraining programs. Since the beginning of the year, around 186,000 people have been retrained for new professions, he said, adding that the initiative is being carried out simultaneously across all regions of the country.
Tuyakbayev also highlighted the “JOLTAP” project in Astana, where residents can apply for free retraining programs lasting about two weeks and including assistance with finding employment afterward.
According to the ministry, there are currently around 112,000 job vacancies listed on Enbek.kz platform. Technical and skilled trade professions remain the most in demand.
Yerbol Tuyakbayev added that finding qualified specialists, such as dentists, electricians, and flooring installers, remains difficult. He stressed that salaries ultimately depend on a person’s qualifications and ability to contribute to a company’s or employer’s development.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that artificial intelligence could transform up to 44% of Kazakhstan’s labor market by 2035, including 562 professions, representing about 4 million workers that would be transformed.
