Kazakhstan Restricts Referendum Voting for Citizens Abroad in Select Countries

Kazakh citizens residing abroad will be unable to participate in the upcoming referendum in 10 countries, including those in the Middle East, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The restrictions apply to voting at Kazakh embassies and consulates.

Affected Locations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs specified that voting will not be available at the following locations:

• Embassies in Iran, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Lebanon, Kuwait, Ukraine, and Ethiopia
• The Consulate General of Kazakhstan in Dubai

Recent Appointments at the Ministry

This announcement comes following the appointment of Erlan Zhetybayev as Chair of the Committee of International Information and Official Spokesperson of the MFA of Kazakhstan. Zhetybayev brings extensive experience in diplomacy and public communications to the role. He was appointed to the position on March 10, 2026.

Erlan Zhetybayev’s Background

Erlan Zhetybayev, born December 15, 1984, in Karaganda, is a graduate of the Eurasian National University. He began his career at the Kazakh Foreign Ministry in 2006, holding positions in consular services and communications before his recent appointment. He currently holds the diplomatic rank of Counsellor, II class, and is proficient in English and Turkish.

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Policy Focus

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan is responsible for guiding the country’s foreign policy and managing its diplomatic service. The ministry also plays a key role in attracting foreign investment.

Recently, Kazakhstan has been actively strengthening international relations, as evidenced by the outcomes of Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s visit to Kazakhstan in May 2025. The visit laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation in areas such as digitization, mining, and agriculture.