Grounds and limits for changing workplace

Workers on E-9 and similar permits cannot change jobs at will — but specified grounds allow it.

Main recognised grounds

• The employer terminates the contract or refuses to renew
• Shutdown or closure, or cancellation or restriction of the workplace's employment permit
• The employer breaching working conditions — unpaid wages, conditions differing from the contract
• Unfair treatment — assault, sexual harassment, habitual verbal abuse
• Circumstances beyond your responsibility making continued work impossible

A change for reasons not attributable to you may be excluded from the count of permitted changes. That is why having the ground recognised matters so much.

The specific grounds, counts and periods are set by notice and change often. Always confirm the current rules with 1350 or an employment centre.

To have the ground recognised

1. Collect evidence — payslips, bank records, texts, photographs, medical records.
2. Never simply stop turning up. Unauthorised absence is treated as your own fault and is highly damaging.
3. Get advice first — 1350, 1577-0071, a migrant workers' support centre.
4. Apply for a workplace change at an employment centre. See change-workplace-procedure.

Where to go

• 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labour (with interpretation)
• 1577-0071 Foreign Workforce Support Centre
• Your local employment centre — Work24 www.work24.go.kr
• Employment Permit System www.eps.go.kr
• Your nearest migrant workers' support centre
• 1345 · 1577-1366 interpretation

Questions people ask

My boss hits me and swears at me. Unfair treatment can be a ground for change, and assault is a matter for 112. Keep medical records and recordings, and get advice immediately.

My wages are constantly late. Unpaid wages can be a ground for change. Gather payslips and bank records and file a complaint with 1350.

The company says I'll become an overstayer if I leave. Not if you follow the proper procedure. Don't be intimidated — check with 1577-0071 or 1350.

I've used up my allowed changes. Changes not attributable to you may be excluded from the count. Explain your circumstances and get advice.

Take care

Never leave a workplace without authorisation. Absconding is treated as your fault and is devastating for your residence status. However hard it gets, call 1350 or 1577-0071 first and confirm the proper route.

Related

change-workplace-procedure · job-search-period · unpaid-wages · workplace-harassment · forced-labor

Source

Ministry of Employment and Labour, Employment Permit System www.eps.go.kr / As of 2026-08