It has been pointed out that contracts signed by Uzbekistan migrant workers with their home country's Agency for External Labor Migration for employment in South Korea contain elements that could constitute human trafficking. In response, the Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to formally demand correction from the Uzbekistan government.

Workplace Transfer Restriction and USD 2,000 Penalty

These workers entered South Korea through the Employment Permit System (E-9) starting around 2025. However, it was confirmed that they signed contracts and memorandums stating that if they change workplaces without written consent from their Korean employer and the Immigration Office, in accordance with guidelines from their home country's Agency for External Labor Migration, they must pay a penalty of USD 2,000 per month.

The problem is that the penalty waiver does not apply even in cases of force majeure circumstances such as health issues, recommended resignation, mutual agreement resignation, or dismissal. In particular, significant complaints have been expressed among Uzbekistan workers employed at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan.

Such memorandums have raised concerns that they unfairly restrict workers' workplace mobility and may constitute violations of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the lead agency for preventing human trafficking victimization, requested institutional improvements from the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Ministry of Justice on the 3rd.

Ministry of Employment and Labor: 'Contrary to the Intent of the Employment Permit System... Immediate Improvement Requested'

The Ministry of Employment and Labor stated in materials released on the 8th that it recently became aware through media reports that Uzbekistan workers had entered the country after signing contracts with their government restricting workplace changes or departures. The ministry pointed out that if these measures are true, they not only run counter to the intent of the Employment Permit System but may also constitute unfair practices such as human trafficking.

As a specific response, the ministry is currently verifying the relevant facts with the Uzbekistan Embassy and the Korea office of the Agency for External Labor Migration. Furthermore, during a meeting on the 6th between the Director-General for Policy Planning and the Deputy Minister of Employment and Poverty Reduction of Uzbekistan, the ministry strongly raised the unfairness of the matter and requested immediate improvement.

The ministry plans to send an official document to the Uzbekistan government in the near future to demand corrective action. It added that it will continuously monitor the results of Uzbekistan's corrective measures and actively consider additional steps if necessary.