South Korea designates Kazakhstan as workforce sending country

South Korea has designated Kazakhstan as a sending country under the employment permit system, with workers expected to arrive starting in 2028. The decision was made during a foreign workforce policy committee meeting presided over by Government Policy Coordination Minister Lim Ki-keun. Kazakhstan becomes the 18th nation to join the system, which includes partners such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan.

Kazakhstan was added to the list because the government found that the country can ensure fairness and transparency in dispatch affairs through a dedicated government agency. Officials also cited Kazakhstan's worker training facilities, medical checkup infrastructure, and willingness to ensure visa compliance as key factors. The employment permit system is designed to bring foreign workers into the country transparently without private sector involvement through memorandums of understanding.

Workers from Kazakhstan will be eligible for E-9 visas, which primarily cover manual labor sectors including manufacturing, construction, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, hospitality services, and cleaning. E-9 visa holders are granted a permit to stay for at least three years, with a possible extension of up to 22 months. Minister Lim stated that the announcement is expected to contribute to a swift and efficient response to the deepening labor shortage in industrial sites.