Uzbekistan's Migration Agency Charges Over $2,000 for Work in South Korea
Uzbekistan's Migration Agency is collecting service fees exceeding 20 million Uzbek Som (approximately $1,600 USD) from citizens seeking to work in South Korea. A directive issued by Migration Agency Director Behzod Musaev on July 24, 2025, mandates a service fee equivalent to 50 times the Basic Calculation Unit (BCU). The publication "Vatandosh" highlighted that this fee is significantly higher compared to the charges for employment in other countries. Overall, individuals traveling to South Korea for work can expect total expenses to surpass 25 million Uzbek Som (approximately $2,000 USD). This substantial fee structure raises questions about accessibility and fairness for Uzbek citizens seeking overseas employment opportunities.
The substantial service fee imposed by Uzbekistan's Migration Agency for work in South Korea, set at 50 times the BCU and totaling over 25 million Som, warrants examination. While facilitating overseas employment can be a vital economic strategy, the significant disparity in fees compared to other destinations suggests potential market inefficiencies or a revenue-generation objective. Future policy considerations should focus on ensuring equitable access to global labor markets, balancing national economic interests with the financial burdens placed on individual citizens. Evaluating the cost-benefit structure for workers and exploring alternative, more affordable pathways for international employment will be crucial in the coming decade as labor mobility continues to evolve.
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