After the practical examinations in August, some 5,000 test takers will be selected for employment. (image: Human Resources Development Service of Korea)
SEOUL, Jul. 22 (Korea Bizwire) — Thousands of Thais wishing to work in the manufacturing and construction industries in South Korea took a Korean language proficiency test on Sunday.
The Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRD Korea), jointly with the Thai Department of Employment, hosted the 7th Employment Permit System Test of Proficiency in Korean (EPS-TOPIK) in three cities in Thailand.
The purpose of the test is to recruit employees from Thailand to work in the South Korean manufacturing, construction, and agricultural/livestock industries.
After the practical examinations in August, some 5,000 test takers will be selected for employment. The new selectees will sign three-year contracts to work in South Korea, which can be extended.
“Thai employees coming to South Korea through this program are less likely to attempt illegal stay than those who enter the country with a tourist visa,” said HRD Korea.
Statistics Korea reported last Thursday that 90.9 percent of Thai visitors who entered the country last year overstayed their 90-day limit, which is leading even those within Thailand to call for measures to reduce the number of illegal Thai residents in South Korea.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
