Uzbek migrants in South Korea at risk as job abandonment rates rise

The number of illegal migrants among Uzbek workers in South Korea has decreased from 3,000-4,000 to 2,000-3,000 in recent years, showing some improvement. However, many workers continue to leave their jobs prematurely, often after just 1-3 months, driven by the promise of higher wages elsewhere. This has led to significant financial losses for South Korean employers who spend considerable amounts on legal processing, visa arrangements, and job placements for foreign workers. As a result, many South Korean employers are opting to hire migrants from countries like Senegal and Vietnam, where the likelihood of workers leaving their jobs is lower. Migrants from these countries typically remain in their positions for a minimum of 1-3 years, reducing the risk for employers.

To address this growing issue, the Migration Agency has intensified its efforts to educate and inform workers about the potential consequences of leaving their jobs or engaging in illegal work. These efforts include increasing awareness about the legal risks of illegal status and the possibility of deportation, fines, and other penalties. Additionally, the agency has introduced mandatory agreements that require workers to consult with them before changing jobs to avoid falling into illegal status.

If the percentage of illegal migrants among Uzbeks in South Korea reaches 10%, it could lead to severe consequences, including a reduction in the number of visas issued to Uzbek nationals, a cut in quotas, or even the termination of migration agreements altogether. The Migration Agency is working diligently to ensure that these measures are in place to prevent such an outcome and to maintain healthy migration relations between the two countries.