Vietnamese Minister of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung and Korean Minister of Employment and Labor Lee Jung Sik hand over the MOU. Photo: Molisa

The contents of the signed EPS Program this time are basically similar to the previously signed MOUs. It addresses the responsibilities of the sending and receiving agency, costs, and the process of selecting, referring, and contracting candidates.

The signing also stipulates preparations before leaving, supports the process of sending and receiving workers, and measures to prevent and minimize the situation of workers whose contracts expire but do not voluntarily return home.

The signing specifically emphasized the responsibilities of the relevant agencies of both Vietnam and the RoK in implementing the EPS Program. The Memorandum of Understanding is valid for 2 years from the date of signing and remains in effect during the new renewal negotiation period.

After 30 years of labor cooperation, the Republic of Korea (RoK) becomes one of the key labor markets, attracting many Vietnamese workers. Vietnam's Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs and the Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor continuously expanded cooperation activities in the fields of labor, employment and vocational education over the years.

Labor cooperation between Vietnam and the RoK officially started in 1993 through the cooperation program in labor supply.

In recent years, due to population aging, the RoK is increasingly short of human resources, especially in manufacturing, shipbuilding, information technology, agriculture and livestock, fruit and vegetable harvesting, fisheries, tourism and retail services.

The Korean government adjusted policies to attract more foreign workers such as increasing the quota under the EPS Program, extending the working time for seasonal agricultural workers, and admitting more workers in the shipbuilding industry with favorable conditions.

For Vietnamese workers, the RoK is a high-income market with cultural similarities. Therefore, it attracts many workers coming to this market.

As of June 1, 2023, there are 48,950 Vietnamese workers working in this market (an increase of 9,300 people compared to the same period in 2022). The average income of employees is from US$1,500 - 2,000/month.

Vietnam's Minister of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung (right) and Korean Minister of Employment and Labor Lee Jung Sik.

The Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of Vietnam, the Ministry of Employment and Labor of the Republic of Korea repeatedly signed cooperation agreements in 2004, 2009, 2013, 2019 and 2021.

The two ministries established a medium and long-term partnership and continue to expand comprehensive cooperation activities in the fields of labor, employment and social security.

In 2003, the Korean National Assembly approved the Employment Permit System (EPS Program), which took effect on August 1, 2004, opening up opportunities for many qualified Vietnamese workers to work in the RoK.

With the close and effective cooperation between the two ministries, the EPS Program has been implemented effectively, fairly, and transparently, bringing many high-income jobs to Vietnamese workers.

It also contributes to the development of Korean businesses, deepens the relationship between the two countries, and contributes to raising the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the RoK.

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