Today Pakistan’s overseas employment system moves into a new recruitment cycle for jobs in South Korea. The program will be managed by the Overseas Employment Corporation under the Government of Pakistan in cooperation with the Human Resources Development Service of Korea.
The hiring will take place through the Korean Employment Permit System and applicants must pass the Korean language test called EPS-TOPIK before they can enter the job pool for Korean employers.
Thousands of Pakistani workers usually compete for these positions each year. Most placements are in manufacturing, agriculture, construction and fisheries.
Registration Window is Open Across Pakistan
The official notice shows a short registration window for the 2026 cycle.
Key dates announced by the Overseas Employment Corporation
| Event Stage | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| Online Pre-registration | March 6 to March 20, 2026 |
| Draw Results | March 27, 2026 |
| Final Registration | March 30 to April 8, 2026 |
| Language Test Schedule | April 22, 2026 |
| Korean Language Tests | May to September 2026 |
| Test Results Announced | October 2, 2026 |
| Skills Documents Submission | October 5 & 6, 2026 |
| Skills Test Schedule | October 12, 2026 |
| Practical Skills Tests | October 19 to 21, 2026 |
| Final Results from HRD Korea | October 30, 2026 |
The “draw” system is used when the number of applicants becomes larger than the available test seats. You must complete your online pre-registration between March 6 and March 20, 2026.
Important: The OEC will hold a First Draw on March 27, 2026. Only winners of this draw can move to the next stage.
Language Testing will take place through the computer based version of EPS-TOPIK.
Age Limit and Eligibility Conditions
The program is open to young workers who meet strict eligibility rules.
Age requirement
- 18 to 39 years
Birth date range
- 31 December 1986 to 30 December 2008
Applicants must also meet several other conditions.
- No criminal record in Pakistan
- No travel restrictions from Pakistani authorities
- No past deportation from South Korea
- No color blindness or serious vision problems
- Physically fit for industrial work
Korean Language Test Structure
The Korean test is organized by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea.
Test format
- Computer based UBT EPS TOPIK
- Around 40 questions
- About 50 minutes duration
- Sections include Listening and Reading
Candidates who pass this stage will move to skills testing and employer selection inside the Korean labor system.
Photo and Document Rules for Online Application
Applicants must upload digital documents during registration.
Photo requirements
- Image size around 100 to 250 pixels
- File size about 14 KB
- JPG format
CNIC image rules
- Width around 600 pixels
- File size about 100 KB
Incorrect photo size or format can lead to rejection during registration.
Large Demand for Pakistani Workers in Korea
The Korean Employment Permit System has become one of the most popular overseas job routes for Pakistani workers. Each year thousands apply for limited slots in sectors like manufacturing and agriculture.
Workers selected through the system receive legal employment contracts and work visas issued by authorities in South Korea.
For many young applicants, this program provides stable income and long term overseas work experience.
The 2026 recruitment cycle will begin with online registration between 6th and 20th March 2026 and continue with testing stages. If the number of applicants again crosses tens of thousands the draw stage could become the most competitive phase of the process for Pakistani workers seeking jobs in South Korea.
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J. Maham is a specialized travel and immigration analyst with a focus on European work permits and South Asian’s mobility. With over 5 years of experience tracking global visa policy shifts, Maham provides verified, actionable insights for professionals seeking legal pathways to the EU and beyond.