Who can go to work in South Korea? Requirements announced for Kazakhstanis

Kazakhstan has officially joined South Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS) program, opening doors for its citizens to work in the East Asian nation. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has outlined the requirements for Kazakhstanis aged 18 to 39 interested in participating. Applicants must demonstrate a clean criminal record, possess no entry bans or deportation history from South Korea, and have no restrictions on leaving Kazakhstan. The selection process will also scrutinize education, work experience, and professional certifications, requiring candidates to have a valid passport and pass a medical examination.

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Passing the exam and being included in the list does not guarantee employment.

The practical selection phase will commence with the opening of an EPS Center in Almaty. Aspiring workers will need to conquer the EPS-TOPIK Korean-language exam and undergo a professional skills assessment. A points-based system will determine eligibility, with successful candidates entering an official job seeker list. This list will detail each applicant's qualifications, test results, and desired working conditions. However, the Labor Ministry cautions that passing the exam and appearing on the list do not guarantee employment. The ultimate decision rests with South Korean employers, who will select workers from the registered pool, with the number of available positions subject to quotas set by South Korea.

Should an employer select a candidate, an employment contract will be issued. Before signing, the worker must be fully informed of their duties, working conditions, and schedule. Upon signing, the employee receives the original contract and must complete mandatory pre-departure training at the Almaty EPS Center. Following this, a work visa will be issued, enabling travel to South Korea. Employment under the EPS program can last up to three years, with possible extensions. Those who complete their term and return voluntarily may receive preferential treatment for future work opportunities in South Korea.

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The final decision will be made by an employer in South Korea, who will select workers from among the registered candidates.

The Ministry has strongly advised citizens against using private intermediaries, emphasizing that they cannot guarantee employment or expedite the selection process. The final decision always lies with the South Korean employer. Exact registration dates, application procedures, and exam schedules will be announced separately. Kazakhstan's inclusion makes it the 18th country in the E-9 program, with recruitment expected to begin in 2028 after organizational preparations, including the EPS Center's establishment, are finalized. Kazakhstan has been pursuing EPS membership since 2023, with a South Korean expert delegation visiting in January 2026 to assess readiness.

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No intermediaries are needed.