Employment Permit System in Korea: A Win-Win for Businesses and Workers
The Employment Permit System (EPS) in Korea is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses facing labor shortages legally employ foreign workers. This system not only facilitates the systematic employment and management of foreign workers but also contributes to the development of the national economy. It ensures transparency in the selection process through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between governments, preventing corruption and broker intervention.
๐บ Watch this video to better understand how EPS works
๐ Key Features and Benefits of the EPS
- Minimizes Impact on Korean Jobs: The number of foreign workers and the industries they can work in are determined based on the domestic labor supply and demand.
- Guarantees Equal Labor Rights: Foreign workers are protected under Korean labor laws, including minimum wage and industrial safety standards.
- Provides Employment Opportunities: Foreign workers are granted employment periods of 3 years or less, up to a maximum of 4 years and 10 months.
๐ก️ Addressing Past Issues and Ensuring Transparency
The EPS was introduced to resolve the problems associated with the previous Industrial Trainee System, which included corruption, illegal employment, and wage arrears. The "Act on the Employment, etc. of Foreign Workers" was enacted in 2003, and EPS officially launched in 2004. The older system was abolished in 2007 and merged into EPS to ensure better protection and regulation.
๐ Visa Types and Eligibility for Foreign Workers
- Non-Professional Employment Visa (E-9): Requires passing the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test and a skills assessment. Applicable to workers in manufacturing, agriculture, and construction.
- Visiting Employment Visa (H-2): For overseas Koreans. Allows work in certain service industries in addition to general labor sectors.
๐ Participating Countries and Industry Sectors
Korea currently has EPS MOUs with the following 16 countries:
- Philippines
- Mongolia
- Sri Lanka
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Uzbekistan
- Pakistan
- Cambodia
- China
- Bangladesh
- Kyrgyzstan
- Nepal
- Myanmar
- East Timor
- Laos
Foreign workers can be employed in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, livestock, and select service industries. Certain countries are designated to specific sectors—for example, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and China are assigned to the construction industry.
✅ Conclusion: A Mutually Beneficial System
The Employment Permit System is a win-win for both Korean industries in need of labor and foreign workers seeking employment opportunities. It fosters a brighter future where businesses and migrant workers grow and thrive together.
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