EPS agreement to be renewed soon

 Kathmandu, Apr. 12

Ambassador of South Korea to Nepal Park Chong-suk said that necessary preparations will be made to renew the Employment Permit System (EPS) agreement with Nepal as soon as possible.

During a courtesy call on Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security, Krishna Kumar Shrestha on Tuesday, he said to expedite the work to renew the agreement which is the process since 2020.

Minister Shrestha had urged Ambassador Park to conclude the bilateral agreement on the EPS.

The last bilateral agreement on the EPS between Nepal and South Korea signed in 2007 was last renewed in 2018 and has been in the process of renewal since 2020.

Minister Shrestha had requested the ambassador to make arrangements to take 10,000 Nepalis who have passed the Korean language test to Korea, and increase the quota for Nepal under the EPS.

South Korea has been taking Nepali workers since 2008 by allocating quotas. Under the EPS system, foreigners from 16 countries take the Korean language test for employment and work in Korea. Ambassador Park said that the South Korean government is positive to increase the number of Nepali workers under EPS.

Stating that 2,000 Nepalis who passed the language test under EPS in 2018 could not participate in the process due to the expiration of their stay in the roster, Minister Shrestha requested to extend the deadline and include them in the process. He said that the ministry is making preparations to start language test for those going to South Korea for employment under the EPS from May 30 this year.

He also urged Ambassador Park to include the Nepali flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation to be listed in Korea since a large number of Nepalis go to the country for employment. It will make air fares cheaper. Minister Shrestha also informed that Nepal Airlines Corporation was trying to operate Kathmandu-Korea flight.

On the occasion, the minister also expressed interest in the opportunity for seasonal workers in South Korea. He said that the government is ready to move ahead by maintaining policy clarity on the issue.

He also requested South Korean support for the ministry's plan in establishising skill development training in provinces as well. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 13 April 2022.