South Korea allows Vietnamese workers to work under a separate visa type

Workers at a farm in South Korea.Photo: Aboutamazon

On August 9, in the port city of Busan, the Ministry of Employment and Labor of Korea (MOEL) in collaboration with the Human Resources Development Service of Korea held a conference on the Employment Permit System (EPS). The conference will last for 3 days.

EPS allows workers from 16 Asian countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia, to work in Korea under a separate visa type.

MOEL started holding this event in 2016 to enhance exchanges and cooperation between the Korean Government and these 16 countries.

This year, MOEL is holding the annual event in the southeastern port city of Busan as part of its efforts to support the city's bid to host the 2030 World Expo.

MOEL Minister Lee Jung-sik and Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon as well as ambassadors from 16 countries were present at the EPS 2023 Conference in Busan.

In his congratulatory speech at the conference, Minister Lee Jung-sik said, “This year’s event will be an opportunity to look back on the past 20 years of EPS and prepare for the next 20 years. We will fundamentally reform the system in line with the many economic and social changes compared to the past 20 years.”

After his speech, Minister Lee Jung-sik presented awards to the owner of a traditional Korean biscuit and candy factory in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, as well as to Sri Lankan worker Kuda Baduge Chamara Chandimal Jayantha.

The factory was awarded in recognition of providing free dormitories for migrant workers and providing them with equal opportunities for advancement and benefits.

Sri Lankan workers are praised for their Korean language fluency and efforts to adapt to life in Korea.

Within the framework of the event, Minister Lee Jung-sik also met with ambassadors of 16 countries to discuss measures to further enhance cooperation and remaining issues.

According to VNA