South Korea resumes seasonal work program for Uzbek citizens

The Migration Agency of Uzbekistan and the government of Gyeongsangnam-do province have signed a memorandum of understanding on bilateral cooperation in attracting seasonal workers for the agricultural sector.

A delegation led by the Director of the Migration Agency, Behzod Musaev, held talks with the Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Park Wan-su.

Under the renewed program, residents of Tashkent region will receive E-8 visas (seasonal work) to be employed in Miryang city and the Hapcheon and Cheongnyeong counties for a total of eight months (“5+3” scheme).

In November–December, applications from employers and local governments in South Korea are expected to be submitted.

Starting in 2026, cooperation will be expanded to other regions depending on the discipline and performance of Uzbek workers.

Uzbekistan became the first country to send workers to South Korea under the E-8 visa program in 2021. At that time, 420 citizens participated in the pilot phase. However, the program was suspended after some workers failed to return home at the end of their five-month contracts.

“Following numerous requests from citizens and the results of years of negotiations between the relevant authorities of both countries, the South Korean government has decided to reopen this opportunity,” the statement said.

Uzbek citizens are urged to strictly follow the terms of their employment contracts and South Korean laws, as well as to return home upon completion of their work period – a key factor for the program’s future expansion.

Information about vacancies and candidate selection will be published on the agency’s official Telegram channel.