Why is this important
The E-8 program was suspended due to conditions being violated by some migrants. Renewing the recruitment is a signal to restore trust. This creates new employment opportunities and strengthens migration cooperation with Korea.
What is known
- Employment will be organized in the city of Miryan, Hapchon and Chongnyan districts;
- Participants — residents of Tashkent region;
- Working period — 8 months according to the 5+3 scheme (5 months of work + 3 months of possible extension);
- Until December, the Korean side will assess vacancies and agree on quotas and requirements for candidates;
- Uzbekistan committed to ensuring the return of labor migrants and compliance with the terms of contracts;
- If successful implementation, the program may escalate — otherwise, the restrictions may be reinstated;
- In 2021, 420 people participated in the pilot program, some of whom violated the conditions, which led to the curtailing of the scheme.
Context
The restoration of E-8 visas was the result of agreements between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Justice of South Korea in September 2025. This is the second Korean visa being discussed with Uzbekistan in October: Gyeongsangbukdo had previously announced the launch of E‐7 for AI, electronics, and robotics.
South Korea needs seasonal labor in the agricultural sector and expects compliance with entry and exit regulations.
