The EPS Centre in Laos  conducted an information session on the EPS mechanism for students and other interested participants at Samdong-Baekcheon Technical Vocational College, an operating entity of the King Sejong Institute in Xieng Khuang.

Applications open for Employment Permit System (EPS) selection test
Opportunities for Lao workers to seek employment in Korea.

The Employment Permit System (EPS) Centre in Laos of Human Resources Development Service of Korea(HRD KOREA) is now accepting applications for the 32th EPS selection test in Laos, offering Lao workers an opportunity to seek employment in the Republic of Korea.

Lao youth learn about working in Korea through the EPS mechanism.

The test will be held in Vientiane for about a month from the end of April according to the MOU signed between the Ministry of Employment and Labor of the Republic of Korea and the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare of Laos.
The EPS Centre in Laos in collaboration with the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, will administer the EPS-TOPIK Korean Proficiency Test from late April to May, followed by a skills test in June for those who pass the language assessment.
On March 12, the EPS Centre in Laos organised an information session at Samdong-Baekcheon Technical Vocational College in Xieng Khuang province, providing details about the selection and employment process. The event  is followed by the registration session, which welcomes applicants from the four northern provinces of Xieng Khuang, Luang Prabang, Huaphan and Phongsaly.

Selected Lao applicants are departing to work in Korea.

The registration session was provided to enhance convenience for applicants residing far from the capital region, who previously faced difficulties traveling to Vientiane for application submission.
Applicants from these four provinces were able to apply during March 12–13, while those from other provinces may submit their applications at the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare in Vientiane Capital during March 17–21.

The Representative of the EPS Centre in Laos, Ms Jiwon Baek, provides information about EPS during the information session in Xieng Khuang province on March 12.

Lao workers employed in Korea through the EPS can work for a maximum of nine years and eight months. Initially, they can sign an employment contract for up to three years, with the possibility of an extension for one year and ten months if they have completed at least one year at their previous workplace.
Workers who faithfully complete their contracts for four years and ten months, without leaving their workplace, may return to Korea for re-employment in the same workplace. They may also have a chance of working another four years and ten months in other workplaces if they pass the special selection test which is conducted only for those who have worked for four years and ten months and returned within given stay period.
Currently, around 3,000 Lao workers are employed in Korea through the EPS.

Lao and Korean officials gather for a group photo with applicants interested in working in Korea through the EPS mechanism at the information session in Xieng Khuang province on Wednesday.

To be eligible for employment, candidates must pass both the EPS-TOPIK, Korean Language Proficiency Test, and the Skills Test before being registered on the list of job seekers. Successful candidates must also pass a medical examination before they can officially register. However, passing the test and registering on the list does not guarantee employment, as workers must be selected by an employer within the two-year period after registered on the list of job seeker.
This year, the skills test has been revised to better align with industrial requirements. The new test content differs from previous examinations, and candidates can access preparation materials via YouTube.
For the mid-year examination, 1,000 candidates will be selected. HRD KOREA  will later assess whether additional tests will be held in the second half of the year, based on the demand for employment contracts and the number of job seekers on the list.
For more information, interested applicants are encouraged to contact the EPS Centre in Laos or to visit the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update March 14, 2025)