A recent study by the Vietnamese government has revealed that Vietnamese workers in South Korea earn the most among their overseas laborers.
According to local media VN Express, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a report titled “Overview of Vietnamese Immigration 2023” on Monday. The report, which analyzed data from 2017 to 2022, found that Vietnamese workers in South Korea earn between $1,600 and $2,000 per month.
This income is significantly higher than that of Vietnamese workers in other countries. For instance, it surpasses earnings in Japan by 33%, where workers make between $1,200 and $1,500 monthly. The report also noted that Vietnamese workers in Taiwan and some European countries earn $800 to $1,200 monthly, while those in Malaysia and Middle Eastern countries earn between $400 and $1,000 monthly.
Notably, the minimum wages in South Korea and Japan are 7 to 9 times higher than in Vietnam, while they are 15 times higher in Australia and New Zealand.
In terms of the number of Vietnamese workers by country, Japan has remained the top destination for five consecutive years, followed by South Korea and Taiwan. The report also highlighted significant increases in Vietnamese workers in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and Hungary.
Approximately 80% of Vietnamese overseas workers are employed in labor-intensive industries, including textiles, footwear, construction, agriculture, fisheries, domestic work, and elderly care.
However, the report also noted a trend of skilled professionals, such as managers and engineers, seeking international opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries.
The study raised concerns about illegal workers overstaying their visas, a practice that potentially limits opportunities for other Vietnamese citizens seeking work abroad.
