ASTANA – Foreign citizens will have to register certain mobile devices while visiting Kazakhstan, Information and Communications Minister Dauren Abayev announced in a recent blog post.
Photo credit: theleader.info
Abayev announced that persons must register mobile communication devices produced in the territory of Kazakhstan and imported to the territory of the country, including those operating in the country’s cellular communications networks, with the exception of mobile devices in roaming or intended for inter-machine interaction.
“If a foreign citizen stays on the territory of Kazakhstan with a mobile device in roaming, then his device is not subject to registration. However, if a foreign citizen uses a subscriber number in a mobile device operating in the cellular communication networks of Kazakhstan, then his device needs to be registered,” Abayev wrote.
Almaty resident Yaroslav Timchenko sought clarification on dialog.egov.kz.
“I kindly request you to comment on the registration, re-registration of personal mobile devices of foreign citizens on the territory of Kazakhstan given the law on access to information. Entering the country, they change only SIM cards. How will these requirements affect foreign citizens?” Timchenko asked.
Earlier this month, the minister notified citizens that they need to register mobile devices with an IMEI-code binding to their Individual Identification Number (IIN) until Jan. 1, 2019. Otherwise, they will not be provided with cellular communication services.
