Vietnamese seasonal workers in South Korea are earning substantial incomes, but they are also facing excessive departure costs and issues related to illegal recruitment. The Vietnamese government plans to investigate regional commission practices to alleviate the economic burden on workers and strengthen measures to prevent illegal residency.
According to the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security, Deputy Minister Bui Chien Thanh instructed strict management of costs incurred during the employment process in South Korea and called for blocking the involvement of illegal brokers during a meeting on October 15 in Ho Chi Minh City to evaluate the pilot project for sending seasonal workers.
This meeting was convened to assess the operational results and issues of the seasonal worker cooperation project between local governments in Vietnam and South Korea, initiated under Resolution No. 59 of the Vietnamese government. Currently, 16 provinces and cities in Vietnam have agreements with South Korean local governments to send seasonal workers. Approximately 18,000 Vietnamese workers have been employed in South Korea to date.
The seasonal worker program contributes to increasing the income of residents in rural, remote, and ethnic minority areas. Notably, it allows workers to return to their hometowns after working in South Korea during the agricultural off-season, which distinguishes it from other overseas employment methods.
The earnings of Vietnamese workers dispatched to South Korea are significant. Pham Dinh Loc, head of the Vietnam Overseas Labor Management Department, stated during the meeting that seasonal workers can earn between 4.5 million and 6 million dong (approximately 233,000 to 310,800 won) per month, including overtime pay. After deducting living expenses and other costs, they can save between 3 million and 4.5 million dong (approximately 155,400 to 233,100 won) monthly, accumulating a total of 15 million to 32 million dong (approximately 777,000 to 1,657,600 won) over 5 to 8 months of work. This amount significantly exceeds the average monthly income of Vietnamese workers, which is about 920,000 dong (approximately 47,000 won).
Loc explained, "This program not only increases job opportunities and income but also helps reduce poverty and bridge employment opportunity gaps between regions. The money workers save can be used for improving living conditions, investing in production, developing household economies, and funding children's education." However, issues have arisen in some regions regarding the selection of workers and the collection of fees. Concerns have been raised about additional costs and opaque procedures due to local governments not managing the entire process directly or relying on inappropriate intermediary agencies for worker selection.
The differing commission structures across regions have also been highlighted as a problem. Some local governments impose relatively high fees, and the lack of uniformity in collection methods could undermine the program's intent to operate on a non-profit basis. High initial costs may force workers to take out loans or face economic pressure even before departing, potentially reducing the amount they can save after working in South Korea and leading them to consider illegal employment.
The issue of workers not returning after their contracts have ended has also emerged as a challenge. In some areas, there have been relatively high instances of workers not returning within the designated period, and if this situation continues, it could weaken trust between local governments in South Korea and hinder the signing or renewal of agreements.
In response, the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security plans to refine the selection criteria for workers and enhance the fairness and transparency of the recruitment process. They will verify the residency status, health, and agricultural experience of candidates while prioritizing low-income individuals, ethnic minorities, and economically disadvantaged households. Additionally, they will clearly disclose the administrative costs that workers must bear and implement measures to prevent the involvement of illegal brokers. In South Korea, there are also calls for establishing support systems to monitor labor contracts, insurance, and working conditions, as well as to address wage arrears, accidents, and disputes.
Deputy Minister Thanh has ordered a thorough analysis of the operational methods and regional cost differences and has called for practical solutions to address contract violations and illegal residency issues.
Meanwhile, the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security plans to review the sustainability of the pilot project for sending seasonal workers based on the evaluation results and report to the relevant authorities. Addressing high fees and illegal recruitment issues while encouraging the normal return of workers after contract completion will remain key challenges.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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