Lao workers learn Korean culture before heading for jobs in South Korea.

More workers applying for jobs in South Korea

More Lao nationals are applying for work in South Korea, using two main channels to register their interest.
The first is the Employment Permit System (EPS), which operates under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Laos’ Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labour.
The other channel is employment through the seasonal labour system which is implemented under an MOU between Laos’ Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and local governments in Korea.

Korean employers interview Lao job applicants.

The Employment Permit System is a transparent government-to-government employment procedure, which helps prevent illegal brokers from intervening thereby minimizing the financial burden on workers in the employment process. All foreign nationals who work in Korea through EPS have the same rights and eligibility for social welfare benefits as Korean workers. Therefore, the EPS is designed to protect workers from illegal brokers as well as mistreatment.
Human Resources Development Service of Korea(HRDK) is responsible for the selection, entry of foreign workers and support of their stay in Korea through the EPS and operates an EPS centre in Laos to support the proper on-site implementation of the system.
Those who are employed in Korea through the EPS can sign an initial employment contract for a maximum of 3 years. If they have worked in their last workplace for more than 1 year, they can be reemployedfor 1 year and 10 months. In addition, those who work concurrently without leaving their workplace can return to Korea and work for another 4 years and 10 months.
Lao nationals have been working in Korea’s manufacturing industry since 2017.
In order to send more Lao workers to other sectors in Korea, Laos’ Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare has asked the Korean government to add sectors of receiving and Laos is designated to send workers to agriculture and livestock industry from 2024.
Those who pass the first Korean language test and the second job skills test through the EPS can register for jobs in Korea.
This year, there are three selection exams for job seekers. The first Korean language and skills test took place in April, while the second Korean language test will be held in June, with applications accepted from May 6-10 at the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare. The skills test will follow in the middle of July.
Director of the EPS Centre in Laos, Ms Jiwon Baek, said “This year, Lao workers will be employed in agriculture and livestock for the first time. Laos itself is an agricultural country, so it is a good opportunity for Lao workers to learn Korean agricultural technology, and we will strongly support their employment.”
Because the EPS operates only through a government process, individuals and private entities cannot provide jobs in Korea under the EPS. Anyone who advertises to the contrary and claims to be able to help people get a job through the EPS is giving false information, Ms Jiwon Baek said.
Selection system for the Korean language test in the manufacturing industry; and agriculture and livestock sector.
Schedule for 31st selection test
-   The Korean language test
     Registration is from May 6-10. The test date will be announced on May 29 and tests will take place from June 4-25 with the results to be announced on June 28.
-   Skills testing
     Receive performance assessment from July 3-5, test date announced on July 12, and test period will be from 16-18.
-    Test results will be announced on July 26 but may change based on the number of applicants.
 
Final numbers selected (according to schedule)
The criteria for passing the final selection process includes passing both the Korean language exam and the skills and performance assessment exam. Successful candidates will be selected according to the highest score (including people with the same score but not including those who are colour blind).
The manufacturing industry will have 2,754 people participating in the final selection while the agriculture and livestock will have 569 people in the final selection.
Exams are divided into two categories, for the manufacturing industry sector, and the agriculture and livestock sector.
-    Applicants may not register for both exams.
-    Applicants must only register for the exam in the sector in which they wish to work.
Qualifications for those wanting to work in manufacturing and agriculture
-       Applicants must be aged between 18 and 39 (born from April 30, 2084 to April 30, 2006). Those born on May 1, 2006, or later do not qualify and should not attempt to register online.
-       Must not have a criminal record, which would lead to expulsion from S. Korea.
-    Must not have any limitations regarding overseas travel.
-       Must not be colour blind.
-    Those who formerly worked in S. Korea with E-9 or E-10 for less than five years.
-       Those with a degenerative disease or who have had kidney stones surgically removed are eligible to take the tests, but the final decision on their employment will be made by the selection panel,
Test evaluations and scores based on the type of industry. Evaluations will based on the total scores obtained in the Korean language test and skills test
 Minimum on the Korean language test
-       The maximum score on the manufacturing industry test is 200; successful applicants must have a score of at least 110.
-    The maximum score on the agriculture and livestock industry test is 200; successful applicants must have a score of at least 80.
     A detailed assessment of each industry type on the skills test
- Manufacturing industry
     Assessments will be based on skills in wood plugging, hoop hanging, and bolt and nut loosening.
-       Agriculture and livestock industry
Assessments will be based on skills in wood plugging, use of a wheelbarrow, and arranging wooden blocks.
People interested in working in Korea and who would like more information can visit the Employment Department in Dongmakkhay village, Xaythany district, Vientiane, or call +85621217738 or 02099270102; EPS centre: 021220013.

The latest group of employees assembles at Wattay International Airport before heading for jobs in South Korea.

By Advertorial desk
 (Latest Update May 3, 2024)