OVER 121,000 VIETNAMESE WORKERS SENT ABROAD IN JAN-OCT

Vietnamese workers under the Employment Permit System (EPS) program arrive at Incheon International Airport in South Korea – PHOTO: VNA

HCMC – More than 121,000 Vietnamese have gone overseas for guest work in the first 10 months of 2025, achieving 93% of the year’s target, according to the Department of Overseas Labor Management under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Japan remained the largest destination with over 55,000 workers, followed by Taiwan with 47,000 and South Korea with nearly 10,000. European markets such as Germany, Romania, Hungary, and Russia maintained stable demand, reported the Vietnam News Agency.

By the end of 2025, the total number of Vietnamese working abroad during the 2021–2025 period is expected to reach 636,000, surpassing the five-year plan by 27%.

Vietnam currently has around 860,000 citizens working overseas, mainly in Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and several European countries. New markets including Germany, Romania, Hungary, Israel, and the UAE are showing strong growth.

Overseas workers send home between US$6.5 billion and US$7 billion in remittances annually, contributing to the country’s foreign currency reserves and improving household incomes.

More than 500 licensed service companies are involved in labor export activities. Many are expanding operations, investing in training, and strengthening international cooperation to develop new markets.

The Department of Overseas Labor Management is drafting amendments to Decree 112/2021 to simplify administrative procedures. The revisions would shift some processes from pre-approval to post-inspection, reduce paperwork, and promote digital licensing.

A new circular replacing Circular 21/2021 is expected in December 2025. It aims to streamline registration for labor supply contracts and give businesses more flexibility in market development while reinforcing accountability.

Source: The Saigon Times