Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 17 March, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olimjon Abdullaev, met with a delegation from the Republic of Korea led by Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo-gyum.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions focused on expanding cooperation in workforce training and facilitating the employment of Uzbek workers in Ulsan’s leading industrial enterprises.

Kim Doo-kyum highlighted that, for the first time in South Korea’s history, mechanisms are being developed to allow Uzbek citizens to obtain work visas through the Ulsan city administration under a simplified procedure. As part of this initiative, Uzbek nationals will benefit from special privileges: after completing a three-month professional training program and a Korean language course, graduates will be eligible for a work visa and official employment. This pilot project, if successful, could serve as a model for other South Korean cities.

The South Korean side also expressed willingness to explore the possibility of organized employment for Uzbek citizens in Ulsan, along with their families, provided that migration laws are strictly followed and illegal employment is prevented.

As a result of the negotiations, agreements were reached to enhance cooperation in the employment of Uzbek workers across various sectors of South Korea’s economy, including the industrial sector.