Many good signs
According to the Department of Overseas Labor Management, Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA), in the first 11 months of 2024, the total number of Vietnamese workers working abroad was 143,160 people, reaching 114% of the 2024 plan.
Previously, the goal for 2024 was to send 125,000 Vietnamese workers to work abroad under contracts.
Japan is still the leading market receiving Vietnamese workers, with 69,188 workers; followed by Taiwan (China) with 53,271 workers; and South Korea: 11,273 workers.
With many advantages, the Japanese market has many attractive job opportunities for Vietnamese workers, especially for nursing and care staff candidates.
According to statistics, about 700,000 Vietnamese workers working abroad send home from 3.5 to 4 billion USD each year.
Workers in South Korea have the highest income, from 1,500 to 2,000 USD; followed by Japan with 1,200 to 1,500 USD; Taiwan (China) with 800 to 1,200 USD. The Middle East and Malaysia markets record lower salaries, ranging from 600 to 1,000 USD for skilled workers and 400 to 600 USD for unskilled workers.
In recent years, on average, Vietnam has sent about 150,000 workers to work abroad each year. There are currently about 700,000 Vietnamese workers working in 40 countries and territories, in more than 30 different occupational groups.
Exploiting potential markets
In addition to traditional labor receiving markets, the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs is striving to promote the development of a number of new potential markets.
In September 2024, the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam announced the implementation of support for Vietnamese citizens to work in the agricultural sector in Australia under the Labor Mobility Program between the two countries.
Under the program, the Australian Government will allow up to 1,000 Vietnamese workers to work in the agricultural sector in Australia at the same time.
On December 24, the Overseas Labor Center, Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs organized a recruitment campaign to send workers to Australia to work in the agricultural sector. In the first round, the number of people selected was 30, working in the meat processing industry with long-term contracts (maximum 4 years); 60% men and 40% women. Vietnamese workers will receive weekly wages. All workers will start from level 1 positions (AUD 26,5734/hour - minimum 38 hours/week). Workers will work overtime when required.
According to Mr. Pham Viet Huong - Deputy Director of the Department of Overseas Labor Management, according to the agreement between the two governments (Vietnam and Australia), the employer will pay a minimum of 300 AUD for airfare; the worker does not have to pay service fees to the sending businesses.
Regarding working conditions, workers working in the agricultural sector such as livestock or fruit farming and working conditions in general are like Australians and the weekly salary is 915 AUD/week full-time - a relatively high salary compared to other markets.
In addition, the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs continues to expand and develop a number of labor markets with good income and working conditions in the European region.
"In addition to the three markets of Japan, Korea and Taiwan (China), we are continuing to expand other markets, especially European countries. European countries have good working conditions and income.
We are promoting labor to Germany, Greece (negotiating, promoting); some countries have received labor such as Hungary and Romania. In addition to those markets, businesses are also approaching the Spanish and Finnish markets... Countries with aging populations tend to receive foreign labor, including Vietnam" - Mr. Pham Viet Huong added.
