Employment Permit System allows foreign nationals to work legally in South Korea

A job in the Republic of Korea (S. Korea) is the dream of many Lao and people in some neighbouring countries due to the attractive salaries on offer, especially during the current economic crisis when the unemployment rate in Laos is high and spiralling inflation is affecting the cost of living.
Thus there are channels set up by the government and agencies that enable Lao nationals to apply for legal work in S. Korea. One of the best choices is to apply through the Employment Permit System (EPS).

Lao workers pose for a group photo at Wattay International Airport before heading for jobs in South Korea.

What is the EPS?
S. Korea’s Employment Permit System (EPS), introduced in 2004, was implemented by the government in response to concerns about the treatment of migrant workers in the country. The system allows foreign workers to work in S. Korea legally in small and medium sized factories. All foreign nationals have rights and eligibility for social welfare benefits the same as Korean workers.
How does one apply through the EPS for work in S. Korea?
Those wishing to work in S. Korea through the EPS must register and be tested for suitability and qualifications, with tests held in two rounds.
Who can apply under the EPS?
- Applicants must be aged between 18 and 39.
- Must never have suffered a herniated disc and not currently have any form of illness banned in S. Korea such as a sexually-transmitted infection or tuberculosis.
- 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 under five years.
What does the selection process consist of?
- Korean language proficiency and skill testing.
- Health check.
- Form filling into the system.
- Selection by employers.
- Signing a contract with employers.
- Issuing of a visa.
- Wait for departure to S. Korea.
What documents are necessary for application and testing?
- A filled in application form.
- One colour copy of passport or identification card.
- Two photos measuring 3.4x4.5 cm on a white background.
- Payment of US$28 application fee.

Applicants undergo testing in Vientiane for suitability for employment in South Korea last year.

What is the testing schedule?
The first round of testing (Korean language proficiency) will take place at five different times as below:
- Applicants whose applications are submitted from February 6-10 will undergo testing from February 21-March 3, with the test results to be announced on March 9.
- Applicants whose applications are submitted from March 27-31 will be tested from April 20-28, with the results announced on May 3.
- Applicants who submit applications from June 5-9 will take tests from June 20-30, with the results announced on July 5.
- Applicants who submit applications from July 31-August 4 will be tested from August 15-25, with the results announced on August 30.
- Applicants whose applications are submitted from October 2-6 will be tested from October 17-27, with the results announced on November 1.
 The second round of testing relates to skills, and also takes place at five different times as below:
- Applicants whose applications are submitted from March 10-14 will be tested from March 22-24, with the results announced on March 30.
- Applicants whose applications are submitted from May 5-9 will be tested from May 17-19, with the results announced on May 25.
- Applicants whose applications are submitted from July 7-11 will be tested from July 19-21, with the results announced on July 27.
- Applicants whose applications are submitted from September 1-5 will be tested from September 13-15, with the results announced on September 21.
- Applicants whose applications are submitted from November 3-7 will be tested from November 15-17, with the results announced on November 23.
The planned schedule of testing may change due to changing circumstances.
Lao nationals who are interested in applying for work can visit the Facebook page Laos EPS Center.
Under the Employment Permit System, from 2018 to 2022 a total of 1,027 Lao nationals travelled to S. Korea for jobs as labourers, comprising 136 people in 2018 and 167 people in 2019. The number fell to just 17 people in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic and rose to 96 people in 2021, increasing to 611 people last year.
In 2022, the quota of Lao nationals taking up jobs in S. Korea was exceeded and this year it is planned to send even more Lao nationals to S. Korea.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update January 19, 2023)