South Korea to open EPS employment for Kazakhstanis in 2028

Applications from Kazakhstani nationals for legal employment in South Korea will open in 2028. Until then, a specialized Employment Permit System (EPS) center will be established in Kazakhstan, a testing system will be introduced and pre-departure training will be provided to candidates.

During President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to South Korea, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population and South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor signed a memorandum on sending and hiring workers under the EPS.

The two countries’ government agencies will formalize employment through a direct employment contract.

Program conditions

Under the EPS, Kazakhstanis will be granted an E-9 visa for up to three years, with the option to extend the stay for a total stay of up to four years and 10 months. Employment is available in five main areas: manufacturing, construction, agriculture and livestock farming, fisheries and services.

«The total quota for the current year is 80,000 foreign workers,» the ministry said.

However, South Korea will set the quota for Kazakhstan once the program is fully launched.

Previously, Kursiv.media reported on the rules for selecting Kazakhstani citizens under the EPS.