Kathmandu, Nepal – South Korea has become an increasingly attractive employment destination for Nepali youth in recent decades, as evidenced by the growing number of applicants for the mandatory language test required for employment opportunities.
Since 2008, South Korea has been recruiting Nepali workers through the Employment Permit System (EPS). To date, over 919,000 young Nepalese have applied for the Korean language test, with a record-breaking 199,113 applications submitted for the 2024 test alone.
Key Statistics:
- -More than 548,000 individuals have participated in the language test so far.
- Over 105,000 Nepali workers have secured employment in South Korea through the EPS.
- In 2023, Nepal became the top country sending workers to South Korea, with 19,689 Nepali workers departing for employment.
The EPS Korea branch reports that 98,310 men and 7,243 women from Nepal have found employment in South Korea to date. The program has expanded beyond initial sectors like agriculture, animal husbandry, and manufacturing to include shipbuilding, with plans to extend into forestry and service industries.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Despite the program’s success, challenges remain. Of the 42,059 individuals on the roster since 2022, only 18,020 have been selected by employers. The remaining 24,039 are still awaiting selection, highlighting the need for improved alignment between language test success and job placement.
Mayank Kandel, head of the EPS branch, suggests implementing a predictable annual schedule for language tests and advocating diplomatically to balance the number of test passers with available job opportunities.
About the EPS Program:
- Initiated in 2007 through a ministerial agreement between Nepal and South Korea.
- The agreement is renewed every two years, with the latest renewal in 2022.
- Approximately 50,000 Nepali workers are currently employed in South Korea.
- Workers can stay for up to 4 years and 10 months before mandatory repatriation.
- The program costs each worker about $1,350 for various fees and expenses.
South Korea’s strict labor law enforcement has resulted in a lower social cost for Nepal compared to other labor destinations, with fewer cases of workers overstaying their visas.
As South Korea continues its journey of economic prosperity, the EPS program offers valuable opportunities for Nepali youth seeking employment abroad. However, addressing the challenges in job placement and expanding the range of available sectors will be crucial for the program’s continued success and mutual benefit for both nations.