Employment Permit System (EPS) of South Korea

 

Introduction

The Employment Permit System (EPS) is a program established by the South Korean government in 2004 to provide foreign workers with employment opportunities in the country. This program aims to address the country’s shortage of labor, particularly in certain industries such as agriculture, fisheries, and construction. The EPS is designed to offer foreign workers a regulated and protected working environment while also ensuring that they comply with Korean immigration laws.

Purpose of EPS

The EPS was introduced to meet the needs of South Korean industries that were facing a labor shortage. The shortage was mainly due to the low birth rate in the country and an aging population. The government recognized that the economy would suffer if the labor shortage was not addressed, so it established the EPS to bring in foreign workers to help fill the gap.

The EPS also aims to provide a regulated working environment for foreign workers. The government established strict regulations to ensure that foreign workers are protected against exploitation and abuse. The EPS requires that employers provide foreign workers with a safe working environment, adequate pay, and access to basic social services.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to participate in the EPS, foreign workers must meet certain criteria. These include:

Age: The applicant must be between 18 and 39 years old.

Education: The applicant must have at least a high school education or its equivalent.

Health: The applicant must be in good health and pass a medical examination.

Criminal record: The applicant must not have a criminal record.

Work experience: The applicant must have at least two years of work experience in their field of expertise.

Language: The applicant must be able to communicate in Korean or in English.

The Process

The process for obtaining an EPS work permit involves several steps.

Application: The first step is to submit an application to the Korean Employment Agency (KEA). The application must include the applicant’s personal information, work experience, and qualifications.

Screening: The KEA will conduct a background check on the applicant to ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements.

Employment of Employment (SOE): The KEA will issue a Status of Employment (SOE) to the applicant if they pass the screening. The SOE will indicate the type of work that the applicant is eligible to perform in South Korea.

Employment of Residence (SOR): The next step is to obtain a Status of Residence (SOR) from the Korean Immigration Office. The SOR will indicate the length of time that the applicant is allowed to stay in the country.

Work permit: Once the SOR is obtained, the applicant must apply for a work permit from the Korean Employment Agency. The work permit will be valid for up to three years.

Benefits of EPS

The EPS provides several benefits to foreign workers and their families.

Work opportunities: The EPS provides foreign workers with the opportunity to work in South Korea and earn a living.

Protection: The EPS ensures that foreign workers are protected against exploitation and abuse. Employers are required to provide foreign workers with a safe working environment, adequate pay, and access to basic social services.

Health care: Foreign workers are entitled to basic health care services through the National Health Insurance program.

Reunification: Foreign workers can bring their families to South Korea and reunite with them.

Residency: Foreign workers who meet certain requirements can apply for permanent residency in South Korea.

Benefits of Employment Permit System (EPS) of South Korea for Bangladeshi migrant workers.

• Legal Status: The EPS provides a legal status to Bangladeshi workers, allowing them to work and reside in South Korea legally.
• Improved Working Conditions: The EPS requires employers to provide decent working conditions, including minimum wage, working hours, and protection from discrimination and exploitation.
• Health and Safety: The EPS requires employers to provide adequate health and safety measures to protect the workers from any kind of occupational hazards.
• Better Living Standards: The EPS allows workers to access better living conditions, including access to basic amenities like housing and medical facilities.
• Improved Social Security: The EPS provides workers with social security benefits, such as pension, health insurance, and unemployment benefits.
• Reduced Exploitation: The EPS provides workers with legal protection and reduces the likelihood of exploitation by employers.
• Better Remuneration: The EPS ensures that workers receive fair compensation for their work, including overtime pay and bonuses.
• Access to Education: The EPS provides workers with access to education and training opportunities to improve their skills and employability.
• Better Future Opportunities: The EPS provides workers with better future opportunities, including the possibility of permanent residency and citizenship in South Korea.
• Stronger Ties with South Korea: The EPS contributes to stronger economic and cultural ties between South Korea and Bangladesh, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries.