RoK to import 12,500 Vietnamese workers this year

Vietnamese laborers often meet all requirements of Korean employers – Illustration photo

Unlike the previous years, the requirements to select applicants are strict this year. Only clean profile applicants who do not hold any record of earlier convictions and offenses can apply, and the range of age is from 18-39.

Five test sites will be organized in Hà Nội, Vinh, Đà Nẵng, Hồ Chí Minh City and Cần Thơ. All tests are prepared by the Korean side.

Around 50,000-60,000 applicants are expected to take the test. Applicants must score at least 80 points in order to pass.

Major industries in RoK welcome Vietnamese laborers to work in production, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and seafood, said Mr. Nguyễn Ngọc Quỳnh, head of the Department of Overseas Labor.

Laborers from 62 poorest districts will be given priority to go abroad once they pass the exams. The priority policy serves as the Government’s effort to push back poverty rate in these districts.

Mr. Lee said Việt Nam is among few countries to have good organization of the Korean language test and over 80% of the applicants pass the exams and meet Korean employers’ requirements.

Since 2004, Việt Nam has sent 43 million laborers to the RoK with an average salary level of US $900 per month.

The RoK’s manpower demand is expected to rebound this year since the outbreak of the global economic turmoil. This has been a major labor importer of Việt Nam with high salary and open working conditions.