Kazakhstan to Join South Korea's Employment Permit System in 2028

Starting in 2028, Kazakhstan will be included in South Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS), allowing its workers to find employment in the country. This decision, made by the government's Foreign Workforce Policy Committee, increases the number of EPS-eligible countries to 18, alongside nations like the Philippines, Mongolia, and Sri Lanka. The EPS enables foreign nationals to obtain E-9 visas for non-professional jobs in South Korea.

Officials cited Kazakhstan's established government and public institutions for managing outbound labor, along with adequate pre-employment training and health screening facilities, as reasons for its inclusion. South Korea plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with Kazakhstan and establish local EPS centers.

Additionally, starting next month, the mobility of migrant workers in the construction sector will be improved. Previously, these workers were tied to specific construction sites and could only move if a project ended or was suspended. Now, they can relocate to new sites if those locations meet EPS requirements, effective September 14.

Furthermore, employment restrictions due to labor law violations will be applied at the employer level rather than the site level. This change aims to increase the effectiveness of sanctions, as previously, violations at one site did not affect the same employer's other projects. This employer-based restriction will take effect in March, following a six-month grace period.