South Korea opens its doors to Kazakhstani workers — just not all of them
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Protection explained the rules for selecting citizens under South Korea’s EPS system, highlighting that people over 40 aren’t eligible to participate.
When will the selection process begin and how will it be conducted?
Once an EPS center opens in Almaty, the selection process will begin. It will include the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test, a professional skills assessment and mandatory training for workers before they depart for Korea. Education, work experience and existing professional certifications will also be taken into account during the selection process.
«The selection will be based on a points system. Citizens aged 18 to 39 are eligible to participate. Candidates must have no criminal record, entry bans or history of deportation from the Republic of Korea, or restrictions on leaving Kazakhstan,» the ministry emphasized.
An employer will be the decision-maker
Kazakhstani citizens who complete the required stages will be included in the official list of applicants. This will require a passport and a medical examination.
The candidate’s profile will include information about education, professional experience, certificates, test results and desired employment conditions. This will help the employer select workers from among those who have passed the established selection process.
«It is important to understand that passing the exam and being included in the official list does not automatically guarantee employment. The final selection is made by the Korean employer from among the registered candidates,» the Ministry of Labor said.
How to prepare before departure
The ministry emphasized that employment of Kazakhstani citizens will be carried out within the quotas set by South Korea.
After selecting a candidate, the employer will send an employment contract. Before signing it, the employee must be informed of the working conditions, job responsibilities and work schedule.
«Pre-departure training at the EPS center in Almaty is mandatory. Once it is completed, a work visa will be issued and the work site will be determined,» the ministry added.
Employment duration
The employment period in Korea can be up to three years. However, in some cases, it can be extended for an additional year and ten months. Those Kazakhstanis who complete their employment within the established period and voluntarily return to Kazakhstan will be in a better position if they want to work in South Korea again.
How to avoid scammers
Those planning to work in Korea are urged to rely only on official information from government agencies and authorized organizations.
«Do not transfer documents or money to private intermediaries who promise ‘guaranteed employment,’ expedited selection or inclusion on a candidate list outside the established procedure. No intermediary can guarantee a job, as the final selection of the candidate is made by the Korean employer,» the Ministry of Labor warned.
The agency also promised to provide further information regarding the registration start date, the document submission process, the EPS-TOPIK assessment and other selection stages.
Kazakhstan was added to the South Korean work program earlier this month.
