ISLAMABAD: Pakistani workers seeking overseas employment can explore job opportunities in South Korea through the country’s Employment Permit System (EPS), the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) has announced.
In a social media post, the BEOE shared details of the government-to-government programme, which allows eligible workers from approved countries, including Pakistan, to apply for jobs in South Korea under the E-9 work visa category.
In Pakistan, the scheme is operated through coordination between the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) and South Korea’s Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRD Korea).
The programme offers employment opportunities in several sectors, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture and selected service industries.
According to the information shared, the initiative is designed to promote transparent recruitment, formal employment contracts and protection of workers’ wages, labour rights and workplace safety.
Eligibility criteria and application procedure
Applicants are generally required to be between 18 and 39 years old, possess a valid passport and meet the prescribed medical and other eligibility conditions.
Individuals with a history of illegal stay or deportation from South Korea, a criminal record or restrictions on travelling abroad may be deemed ineligible.
Prospective applicants have been advised to consult the latest recruitment notices issued by the OEC to confirm registration deadlines, age requirements, eligible industries and other conditions.
The first step in the selection process is passing the computer-based EPS-TOPIK examination, which tests candidates’ understanding of the Korean language, including reading and listening skills.
Candidates who achieve the required scores may be invited to undergo further skills and competency assessments, depending on the recruitment requirements. These may include evaluations of practical abilities, physical fitness, hand-eye coordination and colour recognition. Relevant work experience and skills certificates may also be considered where applicable.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare through official EPS-TOPIK study materials and practice tests, focusing on Korean vocabulary used in factories, workplace safety instructions, tools and everyday communication.
Passing the test does not guarantee a job
Candidates who successfully complete the required examinations and assessments may be registered on South Korea’s job-seeker roster.
Employers can then review the roster and select suitable workers according to their recruitment needs before offering employment contracts.
However, qualifying for the examination or securing a place on the roster does not guarantee employment. Final selection depends on employers’ requirements, available vacancies and completion of the relevant recruitment formalities.
