Uzbek citizens will once again be able to travel to South Korea for seasonal employment under the E-8 labor program, following an agreement reached between the two countries.
A delegation of Uzbekistan, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Olimjon Abdullayev, held talks on September 25 with the Deputy Minister of Justice of South Korea and Commissioner of the Korean Immigration Service, Kim Jong Do, during a working visit to Seoul.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in labor migration and related areas, including improving social protection for Uzbek workers, mutual recognition of qualifications, vocational training, reducing illegal migration, and countering human trafficking and crime.
As a result of the negotiations, both sides agreed to re-engage Uzbek citizens in South Korea’s Seasonal Labor Participation Program (E-8). A joint working group will also be established to hold regular video conferences aimed at combating illegal migration, ensuring proper working conditions for migrants, and expanding cooperation in the labor sector.
In May, it was announced that Uzbek workers would be sent to South Korea for seasonal work. The Korean side has emphasized that if Uzbek citizens comply with labor laws, avoid illegal activities, and do not abandon their jobs without valid reasons, the country will consider opening additional types of work visas for Uzbek nationals at a high level.
