Illustration: AI
Enforcement officers in Kazakhstan have been given the right to request information from digital platforms and gambling operators to trace the income of people who owe child support. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov announced the measures (inbusiness.kz). Work is still underway to integrate data on income from transport and delivery services: the government expects the additional information to help recover child support payments.
What happened
Bektenov outlined the measures in response to a parliamentary inquiry about child support enforcement and support for families with children. MPs also called for tougher penalties for those who fail to pay.
Officers currently use the Automated Information System of Enforcement Proceedings, known as AIS OIP, to help trace income. It is connected to government databases, banks and other organisations. The system automatically receives information on people’s employment, employers and current employment relationships.
What this means for child support enforcement
Enforcement officers can request information from internet platform operators, gig work platforms and gambling operators. These requests broaden the search for income beyond records of conventional employment.
Separate work is underway to integrate data on income from passenger transport, delivery services, gambling and electronic money transactions. This information-sharing system is still being developed. The government expects these measures to reduce child support evasion and improve collection.
Penalties for failing to pay child support
Evading the obligation to support children currently carries criminal penalties of up to two years in prison. According to the government, criminal cases involving unpaid child support are reaching court more often. In 2020, 11% of such cases were referred to court; in 2025, the figure was 37.1%, or more than a third.
In the first nine months of 2026, 991 criminal cases involving unpaid child support were being processed. Of these, 356 were referred to court. A further 3,477 debtors received administrative penalties.
Why tougher penalties are still under review
The government is cautious about further tightening sanctions: a harsher punishment alone does not guarantee that money owed to a child will be paid.
“A custodial sentence may limit a debtor’s ability to earn income and meet child support obligations,” the government’s response states.
The government will further examine changes to criminal and administrative penalties as part of its legislative work.
