Authorities in Kazakhstan registered 172 criminal offenses for non-payment of alimony in favour of children, incapacitated parents and former spouses in the first two months of 2024. The figure represents a fall of 1.1 percent compared to 2023.
The most frequent evaders were residents of the regions of Almaty (38 cases), Kostanay (19 cases), East Kazakhstan (17 cases), Karaganda (13 cases) and Pavlodar (11 cases). The least culpable locales in non-payment of family support were Turkestan, Aktobe, and Almaty city, with one case in each.
In 2023, 166 people nationwide, did not receive support payments. This year, the recorded number of adult victims is 158; a decrease of 4.8 percent. Among them are 151 women, nine minor children and two students. The largest sector of adults not receiving alimony comprises 82 Kazakh women aged 30 to 39; 38 women aged 18-30; 24 women aged 40-49; one citizen aged 50-59, and four senior citizens aged over 60.
It’s worth noting that the number of offenders for non-payment of family support in Kazakhstan increased by 29.6 percent to 70 people over the past year. According to official data, most are unemployed. Similar to the age demographics of those denied court-ordered payments, the culprits were often young or middle-aged adults. In the 30-39 age bracket, 39 Kazakhs were in arrears on alimony; in that of 40-49, 17, and in the 21-29 bracket, 11. In addition, two violators were under 20 and one was aged 50-59.
The total outstanding amount owed by persistent child support defaulters to children, as well as disabled parents and spouses, currently stands at $222,500; 43.6 percent more than in 2023. As a result of pre-trial proceedings, authorities managed to recover $40,600 owed to individuals. Last year, more than 6,000 Kazakhstanis were subject to administrative proceedings for evasion of alimony and 300 more were sent to court on criminal charges.
The most common reasons for non-payment are a lack of stable income or property that can be seized. According to the latest data, almost 15,000 citizens of Kazakhstan are forbidden to leave the country because of liens against them for non-payment of alimony and other incurred debts.
