// UNICEF
The law amends the Code of Administrative Offenses. The first violation related to appearing in face-covering clothing will be punished with a warning. For a repeated violation, a fine of 10 MRP (minimum calculation indicators) is imposed, which amounts to approximately 40,000 tenge or $80.
After this, the document will be submitted for consideration to the Senate—the upper house of parliament. If the amendments are approved, they will be sent for the president's signature.
Last summer, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law prohibiting the wearing of face-covering clothing in public places. Although specific types of clothing were not mentioned, it became clear that the ban applies not only to masks and balaclavas but also to religious headwear that completely covers the face, such as the niqab. This issue has been discussed in the country for several years.
In March 2024, Tokayev described niqabs as an outdated form of clothing imposed on Kazakh women by radical elements. According to the president, this is a "blatant challenge" to the traditional values of Kazakhstan.
