Astana, 23 October. In the first nine months of 2026 more than 10,000 unemployed Kazakhs over 50 found jobs under the Silver Age project, in which the state subsidises part of their wages; the largest share, 41%, found work in agriculture, Informburo.kz reports, citing the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.
Services accounted for 23% of those employed and education for 7%. Most found jobs in Turkestan (1,678 people), Karaganda (1,093), Aktobe (807) and Zhambyl (705) regions. Women make up 54.7% of participants (5,658 people) and rural residents 61% (6,324 people).
The project is aimed at unemployed people over 50 registered with career centres. The state subsidises part of their wages, up to 30 monthly calculation indices (129,750 tenge) a month: 70% in the first year, 65% in the second and 60% in the third. After the project ends, the employer must keep the person in a permanent job: for at least a year for those approaching retirement age and until retirement for those over 58.
The Labour Ministry said earlier that the annual target for employing jobless people over 50 had almost been met by August. The ministry does not report how many participants left their jobs after the subsidies ended or what they earn.
The most sought-after work for people of "silver age" turned out to be on the land: 41% of those employed.
What it means: State wage top-ups helped more than 10,000 people over 50 find jobs, mostly in villages and in agriculture. There are no data on how lasting these jobs are once the subsidies end.
Who benefits: Unemployed people over 50 get work and a guarantee of keeping it. Employers have up to 70% of such an employee's wages paid by the state in the first year. The cost falls on the budget.
Background: The monthly calculation index in 2026 is 4,325 tenge; 30 indices equal 129,750 tenge.
List of sources used: Informburo.kz
Artificial intelligence was used in preparing this material.
