Action on illegal labour abroad

This has undoubtedly badly affected the image of Vietnamese workers in South Korea. Both parties are actively implementing solutions to minimise the situation as well as creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese workers in South Korea.

In recent years, South Korea and Vietnam have agreed to implement a number of measures to deal with illegal workers. In the past, financial penalties for illegal workers ranged from 3,500USD to 4,500USD, however, this method did not have much effect because the workers were not in Vietnam. Therefore, the authorities aimed to strengthen the communications among Vietnamese workers in South Korea and their families in Vietnam. The South Korean government will not sanction workers that are willing to be repatriated to Vietnam. Currently, Vietnamese workers have to deposit at least 4,500USD before leaving. If they do not return home on time, the money will be transferred to fund local jobs.

Vietnam has recently shown more determination to improve the situation with the publication of a list of 44 districts which will face a moratorium on the recruitment of workers to South Korea due to their excessive numbers of people illegally overstaying once their contracts expire.