Kazakhstan to become 18th sending country for South Korean workers from 2028

South Korea is set to expand its Employment Permit System (EPS) by including Kazakhstan as a new sending country starting in 2028. This move will bring the total number of participating nations to 18, aiming to alleviate labor shortages in various South Korean industries.

The decision follows extensive discussions and a memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries. The EPS is designed to allow South Korean employers to hire foreign workers in sectors facing critical labor deficits, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and fisheries. Kazakhstan's inclusion is expected to provide a new source of skilled and unskilled labor for these industries.

For Kazakhstan, this agreement represents a significant opportunity to create employment for its citizens abroad. The government has been actively seeking ways to diversify job markets for its workforce, and the EPS offers a structured and legal pathway for its nationals to work in South Korea. Both nations anticipate that this collaboration will foster economic ties and mutual benefit.

The expansion of the EPS reflects South Korea's ongoing efforts to manage its demographic challenges, including a low birth rate and an aging population, which have led to a shrinking workforce. By opening its doors to more foreign workers through regulated channels, South Korea aims to maintain its economic competitiveness and support its key industries.