South Korea Opens Work Program to Kazakhstanis Aged 18-39; Requirements Announced

Kazakhstan has officially joined South Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS) program, opening doors for its citizens aged 18 to 39 to seek employment in South Korea. This inclusion makes Kazakhstan the 18th country to join the E-9 program, with actual recruitment anticipated to commence in 2028.

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Kazakhstanis aged 18 to 39 will be eligible to participate in the program.

To be eligible, applicants must meet several criteria. They must be between 18 and 39 years old, possess no criminal record, and have no history of deportation or entry bans from South Korea. Additionally, they must not have any restrictions on leaving Kazakhstan. The selection process will consider education, work experience, and professional certificates. Candidates will also need a valid passport and must pass a medical examination.

The selection process will officially begin once the EPS Center opens in Almaty. Aspiring workers must pass the EPS-TOPIK Korean language exam and undergo a professional skills assessment. A points-based system will be used for selection, and successful candidates will be added to an official list of job seekers. Each profile will detail their qualifications, test results, and preferred working conditions. However, the Ministry of Labor emphasizes that passing the exam and being listed does not guarantee employment.

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Applicants must have no criminal record, no entry ban or history of deportation from South Korea, and no restrictions on leaving Kazakhstan.

The final decision rests with South Korean employers, who will choose from the registered candidates. The number of Kazakh citizens who find employment will also be subject to quotas set by South Korea. Upon selection, an applicant will receive an employment contract outlining working conditions, duties, and schedules. After signing, mandatory pre-departure training is required at the EPS Center before a work visa is issued for travel to South Korea.

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Education, work experience and professional certificates will also be taken into account during the selection process.

Employment under the EPS program can last up to three years, with a possible extension of up to one year and 10 months. Those who complete their term and return voluntarily may receive more favorable conditions for future work in South Korea. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has warned citizens against using private intermediaries, stating they cannot guarantee employment as the final decision lies with the employer. Exact registration and exam dates will be announced later.

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Candidates will need a valid passport and will have to undergo a medical examination.