MPs have been permitted to receive fees for creative work, research and teaching

President Sadyr Zhaparov has signed amendments to the law on the status of members of the Jogorku Kenesh. The document was adopted by parliament on 20 May and will come into force before the end of this month.

The amendments clarify the list of activities that MPs may undertake alongside their parliamentary duties and for which they may receive remuneration.

According to the new version of Article 30 of the law, members of parliament are still not permitted to engage in any other paid activities. However, an exception is made for teaching, research and creative activities, provided these are carried out during time not occupied by sessions of the Jogorku Kenesh, parliamentary groups, committees and commissions.

At the same time, the law specifies in greater detail for the first time what exactly is meant by such activities.

Thus, educational and scientific activities are defined as those carried out in accordance with legislation in the fields of education and science. Creative activities are considered to be the creation, use and realisation of the results of one’s own creative work in the fields of science, literature and art in accordance with legislation on copyright and related rights.

The law explicitly enshrines the right of MPs to receive remuneration for such activities.