South Korea Limits Uzbek Migrant Intake Over Job Abandonment Fears
The number of Uzbek migrants employed in South Korea under the E-9 visa has declined from 4,878 in 2023 to 3,080 in 2024. According to the Migration Agency, this drop is primarily attributed to migrants leaving their jobs without valid reasons and some employers declaring bankruptcy.
South Korea has been operating a labor migration system since 2007 to address workforce shortages. Through the Employment Permit System (EPS), the country recruits workers from 16 nations annually. In 2024, out of a total of 165,000 foreign workers hired by South Korea, only 3,080 were from Uzbekistan. A similar trend was observed with Nepali workers, with numbers decreasing from 19,758 in 2023 to 7,081 in 2024.
Doston Olimjonov, a chief specialist at the agency, explained that workers leaving their jobs or changing employers, along with economic changes in South Korea leading to bankruptcy among companies, were the main reasons for the decline in numbers. As a result, South Korea is now favoring workers from Senegal and Vietnam, who have fewer instances of leaving their jobs within 1-2 years.
To address the issue, the agency plans to increase awareness campaigns and job readiness programs for potential migrants. Workers will undergo preparation programs to familiarize themselves with the work environment in South Korean companies. These measures are expected to show results starting in 2025.
The costs of migrating to South Korea have also increased, with fees collected from workers for services and facilities provided by the agency. On the other hand, Uzbek migrants in Russia adapt more quickly, and discussions are ongoing to potentially waive fees deducted from their wages. However, the agency’s press service clarified that the fee system had already been abolished.
