The main issue faced by the labor market of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the mismatch between the quality and professional-qualification structure of the workforce and the needs of employers. This leads to a shortage of skilled workers despite the insufficient demand for labor, as well as low labor mobility. In the context of economic transformations and changing employer requirements, it is necessary to effectively regulate labor relations and create conditions for improving workers' legal protection in order to overcome this imbalance and establish an effective system of labor rights protection. The objective of the study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the factors affecting the functioning of the labor market in Kazakhstan and to identify effective regulatory mechanisms for protecting workers' labor rights. It is also important to study the impact of socio-economic programs aimed at improving the quality of life of the population, maintaining employment, and increasing income on the labor market. To achieve the research objectives, methods such as theoretical analysis of scientific sources and legal acts regulating labor relations in Kazakhstan, empirical study of statistical data and practical cases, comparative analysis of Kazakhstan's labor legislation with international practices, and modeling the impact of socio-economic programs on the labor market and legal protection of workers were used. These methods enabled a comprehensive examination of labor market issues and the identification of effective ways to improve legal regulation and labor rights protection. The study results revealed the need to enhance the interaction between government, private, and educational institutions to improve labor market functioning and workers' legal protection. In particular, it is important to strengthen the system of professional training and retraining of personnel that meet market demands. Additionally, it is necessary to develop labor mobility by improving conditions for retraining and upskilling workers. Special attention is given to the development and improvement of domestic mechanisms for protecting labor rights, including improving legal regulation to increase workers' legal protection from violations such as unlawful dismissal or lack of proper working conditions. The significance of these results lies in their contribution to solving issues related to the mismatch between employers' needs and the qualifications of the workforce, improving employment levels, and enhancing social stability. This also contributes to the better social protection of workers and more equitable income distribution, which directly impacts Kazakhstan's economic stability and development.