To address its annual demand for 3,000 automotive workers, South Korea is eyeing collaboration with Uzbekistan, aiming to bolster its automotive industry. The Korea Automobile Industry Association, which comprises 6,800 enterprises and a workforce of 48,000, revealed this imperative during a recent meeting between Minister of Poverty Alleviation and Employment Behzod Musaev and the Chairman of the Automotive Industry Association of the Republic of Korea, Kwak Yong
The dialogue, held at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in South Korea, saw participation from leaders of car maintenance associations across Uzbekistan's provinces. It underscored the shared desire for enhanced bilateral cooperation in labor relations.
Acknowledging the existing friendship between the two nations, the meeting emphasized the fruitful collaboration in labor affairs. South Korean representatives highlighted the pressing need for additional automotive workers and expressed keenness to engage Uzbekistan in addressing this shortfall.
The Korean Automobile Industry Association, boasting 6,800 enterprises, is grappling with a burgeoning demand for skilled personnel, necessitating an annual intake of 3,000 workers. The proposal to collaborate with Uzbekistan aims to bridge this gap and foster mutually beneficial ties in the automotive sector.
Concluding on an optimistic note, both parties agreed to expedite the inclusion of Uzbek citizens interested in automotive maintenance roles in this collaborative venture. This move aligns with Uzbekistan's broader efforts to facilitate employment opportunities for its citizens abroad.
The meeting coincides with Uzbekistan's growing prominence in South Korea's immigration landscape. The Ministry of Employment's plan to dispatch 100,000 Uzbek citizens to work in South Korea in 2024 underscores the increasing relevance of Uzbek labor in the region. With attractive salary offers ranging around $2,500, opportunities in the construction, services, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors are poised to attract a sizable workforce from Uzbekistan.
However, the immigration dynamics also pose challenges, with unauthorized immigration becoming a notable concern. Instances of individuals overstaying their visas, particularly under the D-4 visa category intended for Korean language students, highlight the need for streamlined immigration policies and enhanced monitoring mechanisms.
As of June 2023, statistics revealed that 22,700 Vietnamese individuals and approximately 1,000 citizens of Uzbekistan were among those who remained in South Korea illegally. Such trends underscore the importance of balanced immigration policies that promote legal pathways while mitigating the risks associated with unauthorized residency.
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