Legal Employment in South Korea: Requirements for Kazakhstani Applicants Announced

Selection for Kazakhstan citizens to work legally in South Korea under the Employment Permit System (EPS) will begin following the opening of a dedicated testing center in Almaty. Candidates must pass a Korean language exam and demonstrate professional skills, according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population.

Applicants aged 18 to 39 can participate, evaluated on a point-based system considering education, work experience, and certifications. Candidates must have no criminal record, no prior deportations or entry bans from South Korea, and no travel restrictions leaving Kazakhstan.

At the Almaty center, applicants will take the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test and undergo skills assessments. Passing all stages places candidates on the official job-seeker list, requiring a valid passport and a medical clearance. However, inclusion in the database does not guarantee employment, as final hiring decisions rest with South Korean employers within quotas set by South Korea.

Selected workers will sign an employment contract detailing working conditions before completing mandatory pre-departure training in Almaty. The EPS allows employment for up to three years, with a possible extension of one year and ten months.

Kazakhstan officially joined the EPS on August 14, with worker deployments expected to start in 2028. The ministry urges citizens to beware of fraudulent intermediaries claiming to guarantee jobs or expedite selection for money.