The Republic of Kazakhstan is a member of the International Labor Organization (ILO), in accordance with the obligations of this organization, Kazakhstan has ratified several conventions and recommendations of the ILO, such as Convention C155, having implemented them in its own legislation.

The main principles of labor legislation are:

1. The inadmissibility of restricting rights of human and citizen in the sphere of labor;
2. Freedom of labor. Everyone has the right to freely choose work or to freely agree to work without any discrimination and coercion to him, the right to dispose of his abilities for work, to choose a profession and occupation of activity;
3. Prohibition of discrimination in the sphere of labor.

   Everyone has equal opportunities in the realizing of their rights and freedoms in the sphere labor. No one may be restricted in their rights in the sphere of labor, except cases and in the manner, which provided for by this Code and other laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan.        

   No one may be subjected to any discrimination in the realizing of labor rights on motives of origin, social, official and property status, gender, race, nationality, language, religion, belief, place of residence, age or physical defects, as well as affiliation in public associations;

4. Prohibition of forced labor and the worst forms of child labor. Child labor is prohibited, it is allowed to conclude labor contracts with children over 14 years old with the permission of the parents;
5. Ensuring the right to working conditions that meet the requirements of safety and hygiene. in accordance with this principle, the employer’s primary responsibility is to create safe working conditions;
6. Priority of life and health of the employee;
7. Ensuring the right to rewarding of labor not lower than the minimum wage. The minimum wage is set by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on an annual basis;
8. Ensuring the right to rest. In accordance with this principle, minimum standards are developed in the world of work, such as inter-shift break, as well as annual paid vacations;
9. Equality of rights and opportunities for employees;
10. Ensuring the right of employees and employers to union to protect their rights and interests. On the basis of this principle, associations of employers and employees (trade unions) are created, which are participants in social partnerships;
11. Assistance of state in strengthening and developing social partnership;
12. State regulation of issues in safety and labor protection.