South Korea Announces Record 11,500 Job Quota for Bangladeshi Workers

South Korea has set a new record by announcing an 11,500 job quota for Bangladeshi workers for the year, marking the highest-ever Korean job quota for Bangladesh. This move comes as part of Korea's employment permit system (EPS), which employs semi-skilled workers from 16 different countries.


South Korea has set a new record by announcing an 11,500 job quota for Bangladeshi workers for the year, marking the highest-ever Korean job quota for Bangladesh. This move comes as part of Korea's employment permit system (EPS), which employs semi-skilled workers from 16 different countries.

The decision to allocate such a significant number of jobs for Bangladeshi workers showcases the growing demand for their skills in the Korean job market. This announcement was made by Bangladesh's embassy in Seoul, confirming that over 100,000 workers from various countries will be hired for positions in Korea's manufacturing industry.

However, despite the positive outlook for this year's job quota, Bangladesh faced challenges in meeting the full quota of workers sent to South Korea in 2023. The country fell short, only managing to fulfill less than 50 per cent of the allotted jobs. This shortfall was attributed to various factors such as negative perceptions of Bangladeshi workers, lack of language proficiency, and cultural issues.

Dr. Mallick Anwar Hossain, the managing director at Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL), expressed confidence in meeting the 2024 job quota, stating that preparations are underway to ensure the successful deployment of workers to South Korea. BOESL has been proactively selecting and training workers with language skills to meet the requirements set by Korean employers.

Despite the challenges faced in previous years, Bangladesh has received an increased job quota for 2024, indicating the country's potential as a key source of skilled and semi-skilled workers for South Korea. The growing demand for workers from Bangladesh can be attributed to the declining working-age population in Korea, leading to a shortage of labor.

The partnership between Bangladesh and South Korea under the EPS has been ongoing since 2008, with Bangladeshi workers mainly filling positions in industries such as motor vehicles, food, and handicrafts. Workers who complete their contracts in Korea have the opportunity to pursue better opportunities within the same company or elsewhere as skilled workers.

While the job opportunities in South Korea offer competitive salaries ranging from Tk 180,000-200,000, BOESL officials have highlighted the importance of discouraging job switching among workers. Despite efforts to prevent job changes through incentives and counselling, some workers still opt for higher-paying positions, affecting Bangladesh's ability to meet job quotas.

As Nepal emerges as a key competitor for Bangladesh in the Korean job market due to superior language skills, there is a need for strategic marketing and demand-based worker selection by BOESL. With the importance of the Korean market for Bangladeshi workers, effective market promotion and training programs are essential to meet the growing demand for skilled labor.

In conclusion, the announcement of the record job quota for Bangladeshi workers in South Korea presents a significant opportunity for the country to showcase its skilled workforce and strengthen its position in the global job market. By addressing the challenges faced in previous years and focusing on training and marketing strategies, Bangladesh can maximize its potential as a valuable source of labor for South Korea.

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Arman Alif

Hi, Ali Rahman in the house! From Chittagong, Bangladesh, I've been on a wild ride from Banskhali Bangabandhu High School to Govt. Alaol College and beyond, landing me at National University. Now, I'm here to dish out the lowdown on national issues and global news. Stick around for a fresh take on what's shaking up our world! Connect With Me