South Korea Increases Quota for Nepali Workers under EPS for 2024

In a significant development for Nepali employment opportunities abroad, South Korea has announced an increase in the quota for workers from Nepal under the Employment Permit System (EPS) for the year 2024. The decision comes as a boon for many Nepali workers seeking job opportunities overseas.

According to Maiya Kandel, the director of the EPS Branch of the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE), South Korea’s Human Resources Development Service has communicated the augmentation, raising the quota by 1,400 for the current year. This marks a positive shift from the previously allotted quota of 15,000 workers established back in 2003.

Kandel elaborated that approximately 22,000 Nepalis are expected to depart for South Korea in search of employment opportunities this year. This figure includes replacements for workers returning to Nepal upon completing their contract terms.

Moreover, signaling a progressive stance, South Korean authorities have expressed interest in allowing workers who have passed the Korean language proficiency test to switch sectors, potentially broadening employment prospects for Nepali workers.

South Korea has been collaborating with Nepal under the EPS system since 2008, primarily focusing on sectors like agriculture, animal husbandry, and manufacturing. With the recent inclusion of the ship-building sector last year, South Korea now plans to extend opportunities to Nepali workers in forestry, services, and root industries.

The EPS branch further disclosed that out of 30 workers who successfully cleared the skill test upon completing their contract period in Korea, three have already commenced employment in the root industry. Additionally, South Korea has initiated a pilot program inviting Nepali workers for employment in the welding sector under the root industry.

In a noteworthy development, South Korea has also expressed interest in recruiting Nepali workers in its health sector, with plans to facilitate this through the E-7 visa.

Amidst these developments, more than 5,000 Nepali workers have already embarked on their employment journey to South Korea in the current fiscal year, reflecting the growing opportunities and demand for Nepali labor in the international market.