Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — South Korea plans to launch recruitment of skilled construction specialists from Uzbekistan and other countries under E-7 visas, the Migration Agency said. The starting monthly salary under the project under consideration will be 2,156,880 won, or about US$1,560.
Migration Agency head Mukhsinkhoja Abdurakhmanov discussed the prospects for expanding opportunities for Uzbek citizens on the Korean labour market with representatives of recruitment companies in the construction sector. Worksmate founder Kim Se-won and Hyun Ju head Lee Si-dok took part in the meeting.
At present, under the EPS system in force between the two countries, labour migrants are sent to South Korea in an organised manner under E-9 work visas. The two sides noted the need to step up the selection of candidates who have successfully passed the EPS-TOPIK exam in the construction field.
The agency proposed expanding direct contacts with Korean construction companies and presenting them with the capabilities and qualifications of Uzbek applicants.
Worksmate presented the GADA platform, which is linked to more than 1,500 construction companies in South Korea.
The service makes it possible to store information about candidates' work experience, manage documents in digital format and simplify interaction between workers and employers.
The two sides also discussed the possible integration of GADA with the Migration Agency's Xorijda Ish platform. Separate attention was given to protecting the personal data of users from Uzbekistan.
In addition, the recruitment of skilled specialists under E-7 visas was discussed. Worksmate representatives said they were working on a project to hire workers from Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Vietnam and Thailand with the participation of the relevant bodies.
According to the conditions presented, the starting salary for project participants will be 2,156,880 won per month, with the possibility of an increase later.
Technical college graduates with at least five years of work experience, as well as university graduates with a bachelor's degree and at least one year of experience, will be able to take part. For specialists with a master's degree, no work experience requirement is envisaged.
The Migration Agency proposed organising preliminary and targeted training of personnel. Students are expected to be taught Korean and professional skills, gain work experience in Uzbekistan's construction sector and subsequently have the possibility of their employment in South Korea considered.
Following the meeting, the two sides signed a letter of intent (LOI) providing for the development of cooperation and the joint study of promising areas. Worksmate's management was invited to Uzbekistan to continue negotiations and review the personnel training system.
According to the Migration Agency, since 2007 around 50,000 Uzbek citizens have been employed in South Korea under E-9 visas. In 2025–2026, a further 668 people completed language, cultural and professional training at a special centre in Ferghana created with the assistance of Hyundai Heavy Industries and the authorities of Ulsan.
