This week, Uzbek Minister of Employment and Poverty Reduction Behzod Musaev visited Seoul for meetings that highlighted the strengthening labor relations between both countries. Musaev met with Korean Minister of Labor and Employment Lee Jung-sik on May 7. The Uzbek ministry, through Telegram, mentioned plans to expand the sectors where Uzbek citizens can work.
Uzbekistan is one of the 16 nations eligible for South Korea’s E-9 “Non-Professional Employment” visa. In April, the South Korean government began accepting applications from business owners in the restaurant, hospitality, forestry, and mining sectors to hire foreign workers under the E-9 program. Previously, E-9 visa holders were limited to working in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, and construction, as noted by the Korean Herald.
E-9 visas are available for citizens from Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
Under President Yoon Suk-yeol, the total number of visas issued under the E-9 program has significantly increased. In 2023, South Korea set the E-9 visa cap at 110,000, the highest since the visa’s inception in 2004. Earlier quotas ranged from 50,000 to 60,000. Reports suggested the quota might rise to 165,000 in 2024, alongside expanding eligible industries.
Other visa categories, such as the E-7 “Foreign National of Special Ability” visa, may also be accessible to Uzbeks.
Musaev also met with Kwak Young-cheol, chairman of the Automotive Industry Association of South Korea, who expressed the need for around 3,000 additional workers annually (potentially E-7 skilled worker positions). While no formal agreement was announced, the Uzbek ministry stated on Telegram: “The Koreans expressed a demand for 3,000 additional workers annually in this industry and expressed interest in cooperation with Uzbekistan.”
Earlier this year, Uzbek media reported plans to send 100,000 Uzbek citizens to work in South Korea. However, the actual plan allows 100,000 Uzbek citizens to compete for E-9 visa jobs in agriculture, hospitality, and construction.
The Agency for External Labor Migration urged Uzbek citizens unlawfully staying in South Korea to leave before February 29, offering a chance to depart voluntarily without facing deportation and maintaining eligibility to return. The fertility rate and demographics of both countries indicate a need for labor migration solutions.
An analysis on migrant worker status in South Korea highlighted the significant increase in migrants residing in the country from various nationalities and working in different industries. Competition and language barriers remain challenges for Uzbek workers pursuing opportunities in South Korea.
Efforts to address language barriers are underway with government-run King Sejong Institutes in Uzbekistan. President Yoon’s potential visit to Uzbekistan in June signals increased cooperation and discussions on foreign worker issues between the two countries.