South Korea has officially designated Kazakhstan as a country eligible to send workers under its Employment Permit System (EPS), expanding the total number of such nations to 18. This decision, formalized on the 14th, aims to address labor shortages in specific industries and enhance bilateral cooperation.
Expansion of the Employment Permit System
The South Korean government, through its Foreign Workforce Policy Deliberation Committee, approved the inclusion of Kazakhstan as a labor-sending country. This move means that foreign workers can now be recruited under the EPS from a broader range of nations. These workers are typically granted an E-9 (Non-professional Employment) visa and are restricted to employment in designated sectors, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture, fisheries, and waste management.
The maximum duration of stay for these workers in South Korea is set at 4 years and 10 months. Prior to this addition, South Korea had agreements with 17 countries, including China, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, East Timor, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. With Kazakhstan’s inclusion, the total number of participating countries rises to 18. The existing 17 countries have a combined population of approximately 2.6 billion people, while Kazakhstan has a population of about 21 million.
Rationale Behind Kazakhstan’s Inclusion
Government officials explained that the expansion to include Kazakhstan serves multiple purposes. It diversifies the pool of labor-sending countries, allowing for a more effective response to on-site labor demands. Furthermore, it is intended to strengthen cooperative relationships between South Korea and Kazakhstan.
Several factors contributed to Kazakhstan’s selection:
- Governmental Capacity: Kazakhstan possesses government and public institutions capable of managing the labor dispatch process, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.
- Infrastructure Readiness: The country has demonstrated adequate pre-departure training facilities for job seekers, employment permit centers, and health examination facilities, crucial for a smooth recruitment process.
- Commitment to Legal Migration: Kazakhstan has shown a willingness to cooperate on improving systems to prevent illegal stays, a key concern for South Korea.
Timeline and Future Cooperation
Kazakhstani workers are expected to begin arriving in South Korea in earnest starting in 2028. To ensure a seamless influx of foreign labor, South Korea plans to continue collaborating with Kazakhstan on several fronts. This includes signing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for the EPS and establishing on-site employment permit centers within Kazakhstan.
Adjustments to Construction Sector Employment Rules
In parallel with the expansion of the EPS, the government has also announced adjustments to the employment permit operation for foreign workers in the construction sector. Previously, employment permits and restrictions were tied to specific construction sites. This meant that reassigning foreign workers to different construction sites was only possible under limited circumstances, such as when the original project was completed or suspended.
Additionally, penalties for employers violating labor laws, such as employment restrictions, were confined to the specific site where the violation occurred. This often limited the effectiveness of disciplinary measures, as they did not impact the employer’s other projects. Recognizing these limitations, the government has revised the rules to allow employers to reassign foreign workers to different construction sites more flexibly. Furthermore, employment restriction penalties will now apply to all construction sites operated by the same employer, enhancing the enforceability of labor laws and worker protections.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Kazakhstan in the Employment Permit System marks a significant step in South Korea’s efforts to manage its foreign labor force. By diversifying sources and refining operational rules, particularly in the construction sector, the government aims to create a more stable and efficient labor market while fostering international partnerships.
