What are the current work visa requirements for Kazakh citizens in South Korea?
In an update from the cabinet, Erbolat Abulkhatin, head of the State Labor Inspectorate Committee, shared Kazakhstan's ambition to join South Korea's legal employment system, known as the Employment Permit System (EPS). Back in 2024, the concept of migration policy was adopted with the aim of offering Kazakhstanis a chance to work abroad, including in South Korea.
Abulkhatin mentioned that significant progress has been made with South Korea, with a high interest among Kazakh citizens, particularly from southern regions. Regrettably, many find themselves working there illegally. The goal is to legally legitimize their labor.
Kazakhstani officials have submitted proposals to South Korea, but progress appears to have been stunted due to a change in government. However, Abulkhatin remains optimistic that the work commenced last year will be finalized this year with the arrival of the new government and president.
It's essential to note that at the beginning of 2023, estimates suggest there were around 7-8 thousand Kazakh citizens living as illegal migrants in South Korea. A "green corridor" was established for those eager to leave the country without facing consequences.
Initial plans to include Kazakhstan in the EPS emerged in January 2023, but as of recently, no official announcements confirm Kazakhstan's progress in joining the EPS. Keep an eye on updates from the governments of Kazakhstan or South Korea, and relevant international labor migration organizations for the latest information on the potential participation of Kazakhstan in the EPS.
As of June 2025, official reports or updates on Kazakhstan joining the EPS have yet to be confirmed. Stay tuned for updates!
- The current state of politics between Kazakhstan and South Korea, particularly concerning the Employment Permit System (EPS), is influenced significantly by policy-and-legislation, war-and-conflicts, and general-news, as the change in government has impacted the progress of Kazakhstan's proposal to join the EPS.
- The aspiration of Kazakhstan to join the South Korean legal employment system (EPS) is deeply rooted in the migration policy adopted in 2024, which aimed to offer Kazakhstanis the opportunity to work abroad, including in South Korea.
- Amidst the rigorous discussions and negotiations regarding Kazakhstan's potential inclusion in the EPS, it's important to recognize the ongoing issue of migration, with thousands of Kazakh citizens living as illegal migrants in South Korea, highlighting the necessity for policy-and-legislation that addresses the issues surrounding labor legitimization and the prevention of illegal migration.
