Kyrgyz language proficiency requirements tightened for civil servants in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan has tightened requirements for civil servants to demonstrate proficiency in the Kyrgyz language. The Cabinet of Ministers has introduced amendments to Resolution No. 189 dated April 4, 2022.

The resolution establishes standard qualification requirements for administrative positions in the state civil and municipal service.

Under the amendments, knowledge of the state language at the level specified in the Cabinet of Ministers’ regulatory legal acts has become mandatory for certain categories of positions. At the same time, the requirement to know the state language to the extent necessary for performing official duties remains in force.

The changes are aimed at implementing the provisions of the constitutional law “On the State Language.” The document seeks to strengthen the role of the Kyrgyz language in public administration and improve the quality of administrative work. The resolution will enter into force 10 days after its official publication.

It is worth noting that earlier reports stated that proficiency in the Kyrgyz language would become mandatory for civil servants and a number of specialists in Kyrgyzstan. Under those provisions, deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh, the chairman and members of the Cabinet of Ministers, judges of the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and local courts, as well as prosecutors, investigators, National Bank employees, law enforcement officers, and national security service staff are required to know the Kyrgyz language.