Press release

02.12.2025                                                                                Astana  

The Ministry of Labor of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Justice of Korea have agreed to expand the time frame of the voluntary departure program   The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, during negotiations with the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Korea on reducing illegal migration and protecting the rights of our citizens, reached an agreement to expand the time frame of the voluntary departure program (hereinafter referred to as the Program), which allows Kazakhstanis who worked illegally in Korea to voluntarily leave the country without fines and a ban on re–entry. Our compatriots can take advantage of this opportunity in the period from December 2025 to February 2026 inclusive. These measures are aimed at mitigating the legal consequences and supporting those who are willing to settle their status. The program does not apply to persons who have committed criminal offenses subject to forced expulsion, as well as to foreigners who find themselves in illegal status after December 1, 2025. To participate in the Program, you need a passport, an application for voluntary departure and an air ticket. The advance notification is submitted through the immigration offices of the Republic of Korea from 15 to 3 days before the departure date. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter – the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population) strongly recommends that citizens of Kazakhstan get a job abroad only legally in order to avoid the risks of illegal migration, expulsion, fines, restrictions on rights, as well as possible situations of labor exploitation. It is necessary to use only official and verified employment channels, including licensed private employment agencies, government programs, and official employer offers. The Ministry of Health will continue its systematic work to protect the rights of Kazakh citizens working abroad.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/social-abay/press/news/details/1117463?lang=kk