Vietnam to Recruit, Train and Dispatch Workers to South Korea in Core Manufacturing Industries Under the EPS Program

Vietnam's Overseas Labour Center (Ministry of Home Affairs) announced the recruitment, training and dispatch of workers to South Korea to work in the core manufacturing industry. The program is implemented under a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Vietnamese Ministry of Interior and the Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor. The Overseas Labour Center has been designated as the liaison with the Korean side and Vietnamese agencies to implement. The 2026 recruitment targets for the welding trades are 400 workers; in the mold trades 100 workers. The core industry refers to the manufacturing of components or semi-finished and finished goods using mass production techniques, including sectors such as casting, mold manufacturing, plastics processing, heat treatment, and surface treatment. These form the backbone of the automotive manufacturing and shipbuilding industries. To participate in the program, workers must meet conditions aged 18 to 39; have no criminal record or penalties heavier than those prescribed by law. They have not previously been expelled from Korea. If they have previously resided in Korea (including lawful and unlawful residence) under visa E9 (EPS) or visa E10 (fisherman), the period of residence must be under 5 years. If a worker has previously worked in Korea under the EPS program, they must return home on time at the end of the contract. In cases of prior unlawful residence in Korea, they must have voluntarily returned home during the period when the Korean government implemented a policy waiving penalties for foreigners residing illegally, and they must present proof documents. Additionally, workers must not be banned from exiting Vietnam; they must not have immediate family (parents, children, siblings; spouse) residing illegally in Korea. Health is an important criterion, ensuring that workers do not suffer from syphilis, tuberculosis, color blindness, or color vision disorders. Workers who have amputated or missing fingers or spinal injuries can still register for the exam, but selection will be based on the results of the skills test. According to the Overseas Labour Center, if a worker is chosen by a Korean employer and signs an employment contract, they will work in Korea for a maximum of 3 years. At the end of the 3-year period, if the Korean employer requires, extension is possible up to 1 year 10 months; there is a chance to re-enter Korea to work under the EPS program. During the time working in Korea, workers will receive a basic monthly wage (in 2026 Korea's base wage is 2,156,880 won per month), plus overtime pay and participation in insurances as required by Korea. Registration acceptance is from April 15 to 17, 2026; prelim screening is expected in April–May. Korean language training and vocational training from July 6 to September 12; first Korean language proficiency test from July 14–17, second from September 21–23. Skills tests and Korean-language interviews will be held from October 19–23.