More Lao nationals find employment in South Korea

Lao workers on their way to jobs in South Korea. - VT

VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/Asia News Network): More Lao nationals are being hired for jobs in the Republic of Korea after passing competency tests approved by South Korean officials.

South Korea is hiring workers under the Service Commitment Agreement of the Point System in the Industries Sector and SME, an official from Laos’ Employment Service Centre of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare said.

Under the agreement, about 500 people are selected each year for employment in South Korea after passing a Korean language test administrated by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRD Korea).

Last year, more than 400 people applied for jobs in South Korea and took work skills and language tests, while over 300 people have registered under the scheme this year.

Job applicants are applying through the Buasavanh Employment Service Company in Vientiane.

Many job seekers struggle to find work in Laos because they have not taken training courses and are unable to make progress. In general, skill levels are low and most young people are poorly educated.

A representative of the Buasavanh Employment Service Company said young people interested in working in agriculture in Korea can also register with the company. They do not need to take a skill or language test, but must be in good health.

Employment contracts run for five months to one year. Workers earn a minimum of US$1,600 to US$2,000 a month and are also eligible for social welfare benefits.

An official from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, who asked not to be named, said Korea accepts young workers from various Asean countries including Laos, to work in small and medium enterprises in agriculture, the service sector, and other industries.

“We are partnering with HRD Korea to conduct the requisite tests and select the most suitable candidates,” she said.

At present, there are about 3,000 Lao nationals working in South Korea. Laos ranks seventh among Asean countries in terms of the number of citizens employed in the country under the Employment Permit System.

The top three are Vietnam with 55,795 workers, the Philippines with 26,217 employees, and Indonesia with 24,732 workers.

Last year, as many as 500,712 Lao nationals were working overseas, including 27,176 women, official statistics show.

Most found jobs in Thailand, while just over 50 people were working in Japan, according to the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.