Kazakhstan is planning to increase the age limit for youth from 29 to 35. The Mazhilis signed a bill enshrining this standard and submitted it to the Senate, the Kazakh Ministry of Information and Social Development reports. What do residents and experts think of this? Our correspondent Aigerim Akimzhanova has the details.
35 years. It is this age that is called the upper age limit for young people in many European countries. Last year, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke about this at a meeting of the National Council of Public Trust. According to him, this was led by an increase in the average age of marriage, and generally, in the amount of time people spend on studying or improving their skills, for example. At present, a little more than 3.5 million Kazakh residents fall under the category of youth. If the bill is approved by the Parliament, their number will double.
“If this rule is introduced through the corresponding legislative procedures, it should definitely have a positive impact on the state's social and youth policy. Last year Kazakhstan Institute of Social Development named ‘Rukhani Zhangyru’ (Modernization of Kazakhstan’s Identity) conducted a study. People were asked about their opinion on a possible raise of the age limit for youth up to 35 years. More than 60 percent of Kazakh residents who took part in this survey responded positively,” IWEP expert Arman Toktushakov said.
According to experts, young people can benefit from the increase in the age limit. Moreover, they have a real need for state support. If earlier, Kazakh residents under the age of 29 could apply for benefits, employment, assistance to purchase housing or get business support, now this possibility can be extended for six years.
What do residents think about it?
“Up to 35? I think 30 is enough. Those who are 35 are adults already. I don’t know.”
“This is a good decision. It would be great if people who are a little older can also have the opportunities given to young people. Everyone needs support.”
“On the one hand, this is not very good, because it can make young people relax and not aspire to achieve more. In Germany, for instance, the category of young people includes those under the age of 29.”
“This is good for sure. I think it is important to give the green light to young people and help young families. Then they will be able to become self-sufficient, settle in life, and raise their children. There is no need to give them this status when they stand firmly on their feet, but at first, I think it is necessary. So if there is such a decision, I am all for it.”
“Great! It's good news. Raising the age limit for youth to 35 years will give a lot of opportunities for our younger generation. Because usually, many people don’t really get it until they are 30. Such awareness only develops after 30.”
According to the Kazakh Ministry of Information and Social Development, every fifth Kazakh citizen believes that this change can make them feel confident about the future, as well as increase social activity of young people. Nearly a quarter of respondents assume that this change will lead to increase in the age for family formation and childbearing.
