South Korea Expanded Construction Recruitment from Uzbekistan
The Migration Agency and Worksmate launched a new initiative to hire construction workers via E-7 visas.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Jobs — General
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South Korea has announced plans to recruit construction workers from Uzbekistan using E-7 visas. This effort expands on a long-standing labor migration relationship that has seen 50,000 Uzbek citizens work in the country since 2007.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to bolster the South Korean construction workforce by integrating specialized training platforms with international recruitment channels. It provides new pathways for skilled labor to enter the South Korean economy.
The project offers a starting monthly salary of 2,156,880 won, or approximately US$1,560. The program will leverage the GADA platform to connect applicants to more than 1,500 construction firms in South Korea.
The players
The Migration Agency
This government-affiliated body in Uzbekistan oversees the labor migration process and international employment agreements.
Worksmate
Worksmate is a recruitment organization facilitating the placement of international workers into South Korean industry roles.
The details
The recruitment project targets skilled candidates, requiring either technical college graduates with five years of experience or bachelor degree holders with one year of experience. To support this, officials plan to integrate the GADA platform with the Xorijda Ish portal while organizing preparatory language and technical skills training.
Timeline
50,000 Uzbek citizens have moved to South Korea for work since 2007.
A total of 668 people finished specialized training in Ferghana between 2025 and 2026.
The new recruitment plans were published on September 18, 2026.
Market Landscape
This program marks a departure from reliance on standard labor migration paths by utilizing the E-7 visa category for specialized construction roles. It reflects a broader effort to formalize skill-based recruitment channels between South Korea and regional labor partners.
This initiative may lead to increased availability of skilled construction labor for South Korean firms using the GADA platform. Prospective applicants from Uzbekistan should monitor the Xorijda Ish platform for upcoming training and enrollment requirements.
The takeaway
The move signifies a strategic pivot toward recruiting more highly skilled or experienced international labor for key infrastructure projects. Workers interested in these roles should prioritize professional certification and language training to meet the new eligibility standards.
Further reading
For additional context on international workforce trends, see Jobs — General.
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