Over the years, the number of female workers participating in the overseas labor market has increased significantly. However, ensuring safe migration for workers in general, and women in particular, to suitable and secure labor markets where they can find employment, significantly increase their income, and improve their quality of life, remains a challenge.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Truyen, from Gia Tran commune (Gia Vien district), worked in Taiwan for three years. Her job was as a nurse, and she earned an average of 15 million VND per month. While not as high as in many other professions, the salary was quite stable and, more importantly, helped her hone her skills and expertise for long-term employment in this field. Nearly two years ago, Ms. Truyen returned to Vietnam after completing her work contract in Taiwan.
Ms. Truyen said: "I'm divorced and raising my young daughter alone. Therefore, I decided to work abroad to accumulate capital to provide for my daughter's education in the future. After returning home, I will stay with my daughter for a few more years until she's more independent, then I'll go abroad again. With the knowledge and skills I've acquired, returning to the Taiwanese labor market will be much easier for me."
In 2011, through an acquaintance's introduction, Ms. Dinh Thi Hung, from Khanh Duong commune (Yen Mo district), accepted an offer to work as a domestic helper on the island of Sip. After more than 10 years working abroad, Ms. Hung's life has improved significantly upon returning home. Ms. Hung said she was very lucky, because not everyone who goes abroad for work achieves their desired results.
According to Ms. Hung, Vietnamese workers abroad face many temptations because many brokers approach them with attractive promises if they leave their contracted workplaces to work elsewhere. Therefore, before going abroad for work, workers should equip themselves with knowledge and skills to protect themselves from human trafficking. Most importantly, workers must strictly adhere to the principles stipulated in their labor contracts.
Mr. Bui Van Voi, Head of the Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs Department of Yen Mo District, said: "In the past, the Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs Department of the district has actively coordinated with localities to promote the dissemination of information to help people understand that overseas labor export is a very effective way to alleviate poverty, but it must be through official channels and through units with sufficient capacity and reputation in sending people to work abroad."
However, in reality, in some areas, disseminating information about overseas employment still faces many difficulties due to the large geographical area and the limited awareness of workers. Meanwhile, organizing direct awareness and counseling sessions from accredited and selected units authorized to legally send workers abroad remains limited. Therefore, there are still cases where people trust the promises of brokers.
According to statistics, during the period 2021-2023, the province is estimated to have created jobs for nearly 60,000 workers, including sending over 4,000 workers to work abroad on fixed-term contracts. Specifically, from the beginning of 2023 to the present, the province has sent 1,541 workers abroad, of which 560 are female workers, accounting for nearly 40% of the total number of workers going abroad.
However, according to reports from local areas, the actual number of people going to work abroad is even higher, because some workers go through unofficial channels. They easily trust referrals from acquaintances or even relatives. This naivety and gullibility of female workers seeking employment is a weakness that human traffickers target. Going abroad illegally, especially for female workers, exposes them to many risks. Many have paid the price in terms of money, time, health, and future...
In reality, fraudsters are increasingly employing sophisticated tactics to evade law enforcement. Especially in the current era of booming social media, without the necessary skills for safe online use, workers can easily become victims of scams.
Therefore, to ensure safe migration for workers in general, and female workers in particular, in recent times, all levels, sectors, and localities in our province have strengthened propaganda and mobilization measures in various forms to raise awareness and equip workers, especially high-risk groups, with more knowledge about safe overseas employment.
Workers who wish to go abroad for work are connected by local authorities with relevant agencies and businesses to receive advice and support regarding market information, jobs, income, and pre-migration skills, as well as guidance on how to seek assistance when needed.
In particular, over the past period, women's associations at all levels in the province have actively participated and promoted many activities to accompany and support female members. A typical example is the forum on "safe migration and prevention of human trafficking," which has been widely organized in localities recently.
At the forums, delegates including leaders from the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, the Women's Union of the district, local authorities, commune police, and former overseas workers exchanged views on overseas labor export; the current situation of human trafficking; and the risks of illegal overseas labor export.
With such practical significance, these forums have attracted the attention of a large number of members, women, and people in the area, contributing to raising awareness and reducing social evils affecting female workers.
Text and photos: Dao Hang
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