The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan published borrower guidance on managing repayment difficulties through loan restructuring, including (in exceptional cases) temporary payment deferrals. It explains that a deferral is not debt forgiveness but a postponement of payments, which can be accommodated by extending the loan term or increasing monthly instalments. The note highlights that banks and microfinance organisations rarely grant deferrals and assess requests on a case-by-case basis, taking into account both the stated reasons and the borrower’s credit history. Examples of grounds that may be considered include temporary incapacity, redundancy or income reduction, an increase in dependants, and force majeure events. It also states that citizens performing military service have an automatic right to a payment deferral from 2024, covering the service period and 60 days afterwards, during which interest and penalties are not charged. Borrowers are directed to submit requests to the lender in person, via a mobile application, or by email, with submission recommended within 30 days of missing a payment (though later requests may still be considered if no court decision has been issued). The lender has 15 working days to review the application and may approve a deferral, refuse with reasons, or offer alternative terms such as restructuring or an interest-rate reduction; borrowers can escalate issues to the bank or microfinance ombudsman. The agency cautions that deferrals generally do not stop interest accrual, longer deferrals increase total overpayment, and earlier applications improve the chances of a positive decision.

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