Job seekers must prove competency before working in Korea

Lao nationals seeking employment in the Republic of Korea need to undertake language proficiency and labour skills tests, local authorities have stressed.
Each year, Korea permits 500 Lao people to take up jobs in the country after passing a labour skills test, following the 2016 agreement under the Employment Permit System EPS-TOPIK.

Last year, over 400 people sought jobs in Korea and took work skills and language tests, while over 300 people have registered this year. 
Director of the Employment Service Centre at the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Phongsavanh, said  interested people could register at the centre and attend a selection process on Thursday. Korean company representatives will give interviews and applicants will learn the test results the same day.
“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,” he said.
In the last three years Laos and Korea have cooperated to assist the employment process and those involved in the scheme.
The agreement outlines the duties and requirements in support of cooperation between the two sides for the smooth operation of the points system (EPS-TOPIK, skills test, and competency test).
Mr Phongsavanh said South Korea was seen as a good choice by Lao workers because they could gain useful experience, develop their skills and receive a reasonable income.
An anonymous senior official from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare said Laos and Korea have shared information and experiences in drafting and updating labour legislation including skills development, competency testing, employment promotion and job market information.
According to the ministry, there are about 234 Lao nationals currently working in Korea.
Laos is ranked seventh among Asean countries in terms of the number of citizens employed in Korea under the Employment Permit System. The top three are Vietnam with 55,795 workers, the Philippines with 26,217, and Indonesia with 24,732 workers.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update September 4, 2019)