A total of 280 shipbuilding workers from Uzbekistan will begin working at small shipyards in the Ulsan area as early as July. They will enter the country after completing work training and safety education in their home country, immediately deployed to the field as "customized personnel." With the ability to work for up to 9 years and 8 months, it is anticipated that Ulsan's small shipyards will be able to secure a stable workforce of skilled labor.
◇Labor shortage at shipyards... Trained for 3 months in their home country before being deployed
There are over 580 shipbuilding companies in Ulsan, including HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Ulsan's shipyards are experiencing a boom in orders amid rising demand for eco-friendly ships. However, it is said that finding labor is difficult due to domestic workers avoiding 3D (dirty, difficult, and dangerous) jobs. An official from Ulsan City noted, "Due to the difficult tasks involving welding and sparks, even when recruiting staff, domestic workers are reluctant to come in," adding, "The labor shortage is particularly serious for small shipyards."
The Ministry of Employment and Labor and Ulsan City have decided to bring in Uzbek workers in this situation. They will recruit workers from Uzbekistan through the "Customized Foreign Workforce Training Pilot Project". It is said that there was a belief that adaptation would be quick as there are already many Uzbek workers in the Ulsan shipyards.
Workers from Uzbekistan will begin receiving vocational training for three months in their home country starting this month. They will practice ship painting, welding, and electrical wiring installation, among other skills. They will also learn how to use various equipment and undergo safety training. Afterward, the Uzbek workers will enter the country sequentially from July to December after signing an employment contract with Ulsan shipbuilders.
◇"There are enough job orders for several years... Providing labor for up to 9 years and 8 months"
Uzbek workers will be employed at shipyards in Ulsan with fewer than 300 employees. They have already received necessary training in painting, welding, and other skills in their home country, enabling them to be deployed to the field quickly. An official from Ulsan City stated, "Due to the boom in the shipbuilding industry, we have job orders piled up for several years" and added, "With labor being supplied right away, productivity is expected to increase."
Uzbek workers will work for a maximum of 9 years and 8 months on the Employment Permit System E-9 non-professional work visa. They will have a basic contract for 3 years and can extend it for an additional 1 year and 10 months. An official from the Ministry of Employment noted, "After working for 4 years and 10 months, if they exit the country and then re-enter, they can stay for an additional 4 years and 10 months, up to a total of 9 years and 8 months." They will receive this year’s minimum wage (10,030 won per hour). If they work 8 hours for 5 days a week, they will earn 2.09 million won a month, including weekly holiday pay.
Meanwhile, foreign workers have previously worked at domestic shipyards. An official from the Ministry of Employment stated, "While the government has led the way in bringing in foreigners, this time, local governments are also participating" and noted, "Ulsan City is providing ship training facilities and tailored training in Uzbekistan." The Ministry of Employment and Ulsan City plan to review the expansion of the project based on the results of the pilot program.