South Korea has increased Pakistan’s labor quota by 30% for the year 2025, raising the number of permitted workers from 2,400 to 5,400. This expansion comes after successful negotiations between Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and South Korea’s Human Resource Development (HRD) Mission.
The increased quota is part of South Korea’s Employment Permit System (EPS), which allows foreign workers to fill labor shortages in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and construction. Pakistani workers under the EPS are granted E-9 visas and are selected based on language and skills assessments.
Officials said that the rise in quota reflects South Korea’s growing trust in the professionalism and productivity of Pakistani workers.
The HRD Mission’s ongoing efforts in skills training and workforce development have been instrumental in strengthening this partnership.
To qualify, Pakistani candidates must pass the EPS-TOPIK (Korean language exam) and a trade skills test. The recruitment process is managed by Pakistan’s Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC), which ensures transparency and adherence to Korean employment standards.
