Kazakhstan considers adopting foreign agent law

Kazakhstan’s parliament is debating a proposed foreign agent law that would require media and NGOs receiving foreign funding to disclose their sources, sparking controversy over transparency and influence.

Members of Kazakhstan’s parliament have proposed a law on foreign agents, which would require media outlets and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that receive foreign funding to disclose their financial sources. The initiative, put forward by deputies from the People’s Party of Kazakhstan, has sparked debate within the country’s political and expert circles.

Member of Parliament Irina Smirnova has proposed that Kazakhstan adopt a foreign agent law, arguing that the country “must revise the rules of the game” with foreign donors, who, she claims, often disguise their interests under the pretense of promoting free media and protecting human rights.

Smirnova has prepared an inquiry addressed to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, proposing a foreign agent law similar to those in Israel, China, Australia, the United States, and France. She believes Kazakhstan should adopt this practice and require media outlets to disclose their sources of funding to both readers and viewers.

Citing open-source data, Smirnova claimed that approximately 200 NGOs in Kazakhstan receive foreign funding, with around 70% of these organizations reportedly financed by sources from the United States. She added that, in an official capacity, Kazakhstan has received grants from 165 different foreign donors, including 53 international organizations, 31 foreign government entities, and 81 foreign NGOs.

“If foreign NGOs, which operate quite comfortably in Kazakhstan, are indeed pursuing their agenda, we may see the consequences of their influence — and we won’t be happy with them. It is time to reassess the status of some NGOs that have been operating in a gray zone for years and change the rules of the game with foreign donors, who mask their political interests behind the guise of supporting media, human rights, and tolerance,” Smirnova said.

In 2022, the Ministry of Information stated that a foreign agent law would not be introduced in Kazakhstan. At the time, the ministry said the country would instead promote free media to enhance its competitiveness and popularity among audiences.

However, the Ministry of Finance does maintain a list of individuals receiving money from foreign governments and organizations. This list is expected to be updated by March 20.

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