Korean language proficiency tests for Vietnamese workers wishing to work in the RoK under the Korean government’s EPS programme will be organised in 2026. The examination aims to implement the memorandum of understanding signed between the two ministries on the dispatch and reception of Vietnamese workers to the RoK.

The recruitment process will consist of two stages. Candidates will first take the EPS–TOPIK Korean language test. Only those who pass the language test will be eligible to proceed to the second round, which includes skills tests and competency assessments.

Applicants who pass both rounds will then be allowed to submit their official applications to work in the RoK under the EPS programme.

According to the plan, the RoK will recruit 4,200 Vietnamese workers in 2026 across several sectors, including 3,000 in manufacturing, 1,000 in fisheries, 150 in forestry, and 50 in services.

Workers participating in the programme must be between 18 and 39 years old, have no criminal record involving imprisonment or more serious penalties, and must not be banned from leaving Vietnam or previously deported from the RoK.

If they have previously resided in the RoK under EPS visa E9 or fishing crew visa E10, their total period of stay must be less than five years.

Candidates must also not have immediate family members, including parents, children, siblings, or spouses, who are residing illegally in the RoK.

Applicants must be physically fit and must not suffer from diseases such as syphilis or tuberculosis. They must also not have colour blindness or colour vision disorders.

Workers with finger injuries, missing fingers, or spinal deformities may still register for the exam. However, their eligibility will ultimately depend on the results of the skills assessment.

Applicants who previously worked in the RoK under the EPS programme must have returned to Vietnam upon completion of their contracts.

Those who had once stayed illegally there may still apply if they voluntarily returned home during the period when the Korean government implemented amnesty policies for undocumented foreign residents.

In such cases, applicants must provide official documents proving their voluntary return.

Vietnamese workers in RoK receive legal guidance under EPS program

VOV.VN - The Vietnam EPS Management and Support Office in the Republic of Korea (RoK), in coordination with the Jeonbuk Provincial Center for Foreign Worker Support on September 7 organized a meeting to provide legal advice to Vietnamese workers participating in the Employment Permit System (EPS).