Vietnamese Rural Workers Flock to South Korea for Seasonal Jobs

Vietnamese rural workers are increasingly turning to seasonal jobs in South Korea as a way to save money. Those working in agriculture and fisheries can earn up to approximately 15 million won after expenses by working for up to eight months. However, issues such as broker fees, working conditions, and contract violations need to be addressed.

According to Vietnamese labor authorities on September 29, over 18,000 seasonal workers have been sent to South Korea from 16 provinces and cities through agreements with local governments. These workers typically engage in agricultural and fisheries jobs for periods ranging from three to eight months.

Pham Dinh Loc, head of the Overseas Labor Management Department at the Vietnamese Ministry of Labor, praised the results of the seasonal work program, stating, "The outcomes are very positive, and the outlook is bright." He noted that the program is particularly accessible for workers with agricultural experience and provides job opportunities for older farmers.

High earnings are a significant draw. According to Vietnamese authorities, seasonal workers in South Korea can earn between 4 million and 6 million dong (approximately $209 to $314) per month. After deducting costs for food, accommodation, living expenses, and insurance, workers can save up to about 30 million dong (around 15 million won) after completing an eight-month contract.

Deputy Director of the Overseas Labor Management Department, Bu Truong Giang, emphasized, "The work period has now been extended to eight months, which can be a substantial amount for low-income households and effectively reduce poverty."

Particularly, Dak Lak Province is one of the regions expanding its dispatch of seasonal workers to South Korea. According to the Dak Lak Department of Internal Affairs, over 2,400 workers are set to work abroad, with approximately 1,360 of them going to South Korea.

Dak Lak is also proactive in supporting overseas employment. The local government provides information on hiring conditions, wages, costs, and workers' rights to residents seeking jobs abroad before they depart. This aims to minimize potential harm during the overseas employment process and ensure that workers fully understand the conditions before accepting jobs.

However, there are risks associated with seasonal work in South Korea. Vietnamese authorities have identified broker fees, local working conditions, and instances of workers leaving their jobs without notice as major issues.

The seasonal work program is operated through direct agreements between local governments in both countries. In principle, it does not involve recruitment agencies or individual brokers charging fees. However, some companies and individuals have been found to demand additional fees during the recruitment process.

The normal costs that workers must bear for visas, airfare, and health checks amount to about 20 million dong, including administrative fees. However, in some areas, additional costs of 30 million to 40 million dong have been reported.

Concerns have also been raised about the intensity of work and working conditions. Seasonal work often coincides with harvest periods, requiring long hours, and workers may have to perform outdoor tasks in cold weather during winter.

There have also been cases of workers leaving their jobs without permission during their seasonal work in South Korea. Currently, the contract violation rate among seasonal workers is reported to be 3.97%. Vietnamese authorities are concerned that as the work period extends to a maximum of eight months, the likelihood of workers leaving their jobs for illegal employment or overstaying their visas may increase.

The Vietnamese government is considering ways to continue the seasonal work program in South Korea while addressing these issues. Loc stated, "It is necessary for the government to prepare a resolution to continue the pilot seasonal work program in South Korea under the current circumstances."

In response, Vietnamese authorities plan to review the entire process from worker selection to local employment and return, with a focus on enhancing working conditions and protecting workers' rights. They aim to ensure that residents are accurately informed about job duties, wages, and costs before departing for South Korea, while also strengthening management systems between local governments.

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