South Koreans will likely simplify employment processes for Kazakhstani citizens
In active negotiations, Kazakhstan is preparing to join South Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS). This program, regulated by the Ministry of Employment and Labor of Korea, allows foreign workers from partner countries to work legally in labor-shortage sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, construction, fishing, and services.
Currently, countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Mongolia, Nepal, Cambodia, Uzbekistan, and others participate in the EPS. Although Kazakhstan is not yet officially a participating country, eligible Kazakhstani workers may gain access to employment under EPS in the near future once agreements are finalized.
To be eligible for the EPS, participants must meet certain criteria. They must be citizens of EPS partner countries, aged between 18 and 39, in good health, have no criminal record, and have no immigration violation history in South Korea. Additionally, they must pass a Korean language test, either the TOPIK or EPS-TOPIK.
The discussions between Kazakhstan's First Deputy Minister of Labor, Askarbek Yertaev, and South Korea’s Ambassador Cho Tae-Ick have focused on ensuring legal, safe, and managed employment of Kazakh citizens in Korea under EPS and strengthening bilateral cooperation towards Kazakhstan’s inclusion in the program.
Recent talks in 2025 indicate progress towards Kazakhstan's goal of joining the EPS around 2024-2025, as previously expressed. South Korea is enhancing support systems for foreign workers, including protections against workplace violations and improved housing and consultation services, which will apply to new EPS workers from Kazakhstan once admitted.
Kazakhstan must take domestic administrative and legal measures to comply with EPS requirements for safe and legal overseas employment of its citizens. Corresponding proposals for the implementation of the EPS have been sent from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan to South Korea.
The contract duration under the EPS program is typically one year, renewable up to a maximum of 4 years and 10 months, just under permanent residency eligibility. Participation in the EPS does not guarantee permanent residency, but it offers a path for foreign workers to contribute to South Korea's economy and gain valuable experience.
In conclusion, Kazakhstan is in advanced negotiations to join the South Korean EPS but is not yet a fully recognized partner. Current efforts focus on meeting EPS criteria and strengthening bilateral cooperation towards Kazakhstan’s inclusion in this program.
- As Kazakhstan moves closer to joining the South Korean Employment Permit System (EPS), eligible Kazakhstani workers may find themselves with an opportunity to contribute to South Korea's economy, upholding the value of health and wellness by meeting the EPS requirements, which necessitate maintaining good health and passing a Korean language test.
- In an attempt to foster a workplace-wellness environment for Kazakhstani workers under the South Korean EPS, South Korea is enhancing support systems for foreign workers, ensuring legal, safe, and managed employment, and providing protections against workplace violations, as well as improved housing and consultation services, thus promoting health and wellness standards.
