Uzbek Migrants in South Korea Facing Increasing Job Abandonment Risks
The issue of Uzbek migrant workers abandoning their jobs in South Korea has been a growing concern in recent years. Currently, 9.6% of Uzbek citizens in South Korea are living there illegally, posing a potential threat to migration relations between the two countries. If this number reaches 10%, South Korea may suspend migration agreements with Uzbekistan.
While the number of illegal migrants among Uzbek workers in South Korea has shown some improvement in recent years, with a decrease from 3,000-4,000 to 2,000-3,000, many workers still leave their jobs prematurely. This trend is often driven by the promise of higher wages elsewhere, leading to significant financial losses for South Korean employers who invest in legal processing, visa arrangements, and job placements for foreign workers. As a result, many employers are now turning to migrants from countries like Senegal and Vietnam, where the likelihood of workers leaving their jobs is lower.
To address this issue, the Migration Agency has ramped up efforts to educate workers about the consequences of leaving their jobs or engaging in illegal work. They are increasing awareness about the legal risks of illegal status, including the possibility of deportation, fines, and other penalties. Additionally, mandatory agreements have been introduced requiring workers to consult with the agency before changing jobs to avoid falling into illegal status.
If the percentage of illegal migrants among Uzbeks in South Korea reaches 10%, there could be severe consequences such as a reduction in visas issued to Uzbek nationals, cut in quotas, or even termination of migration agreements. The Migration Agency is working diligently to prevent this outcome and maintain healthy migration relations between the two countries. It is crucial for both migrant workers and employers to abide by regulations and agreements to ensure the sustainability of migration practices and uphold mutual respect between nations.
