The quality of vocational training determines the capacity of the workforce for export. (In the photo: Students of Thanh Hoa Industrial College during a practical session). Photo: Tran Hang.
Impressive numbers
In 2024, overseas employment continued to be a bright spot in Thanh Hoa province's socio -economic development, with 13,820 workers sent to work abroad under fixed-term contracts, exceeding the annual plan by 130.3% and reaching 91.35% compared to the same period of the previous year. In the first six months of 2025 alone, the province sent 5,075 workers abroad, achieving 84.6% of the annual plan (a high level compared to the national average). Taiwan continued to lead with 2,150 workers, followed by Japan (1,913 workers) and South Korea (635 workers). Thanh Hoa once again ranked first nationwide in the number of applicants for the EPS Korean language proficiency test with 5,533 applications (accounting for 24.4% of the national total).
Workers from our province are highly regarded for their discipline, eagerness to learn, and ability to adapt well to professional working environments abroad. Recruitment focuses primarily on agriculture , mechanics, electronics, construction, food processing, and fisheries – sectors with high demand, stable income, and long-term development potential.
Alongside the expansion of its scale, training, counseling, and career guidance for workers have also been intensified. From 2024 to the present, the Thanh Hoa Employment Service Center has organized 22 regular job fairs at the center and mobile fairs in localities throughout the province, attracting over 300 participating businesses and organizations and over 10,500 job seekers. Through these job fairs, over 1,800 workers have been successfully connected with jobs, including those seeking domestic employment, overseas employment, and vocational training. Simultaneously, information on the labor market, job counseling, overseas employment, and related policies has been provided to over 60,000 workers.
Furthermore, coordination among departments and agencies has been strengthened to ensure that the labor export process is carried out legally, transparently, and effectively. Our province not only leads in terms of the number of workers but also pioneers the organization of the Korean language proficiency test under the EPS program right in the locality – a move highly appreciated for its administrative reform, cost savings, and significant convenience for workers. This is also an important stepping stone for the province to continue expanding its market in the coming years.
The results achieved are clear evidence of the effectiveness of synchronized solutions, close coordination between sectors and levels, and the proactive efforts of the workers themselves. These figures not only demonstrate achievements but also affirm the prestige and position of our province on the national labor export map.
Sustainable path
To achieve outstanding results in overseas labor export, relevant sectors have implemented many practical solutions, focusing on creating comprehensive conditions for workers to access job opportunities abroad. First, the province has intensified information and communication efforts regarding official overseas labor export programs, focusing on disadvantaged localities and remote areas. Conferences, job fairs, and job exchanges are organized directly at the grassroots level, helping people understand recruitment conditions, application procedures, and costs transparently.
People come to the Thanh Hoa Employment Service Center to inquire about information regarding overseas employment. (Photo courtesy of Tr.H.)
Simultaneously, vocational training, foreign language training, and soft skills training have been strengthened. Employment service centers and vocational education centers collaborate with businesses to organize classes that closely match market demands. Specifically for the EPS program to South Korea, the province organizes Korean language exams locally, providing convenience in terms of time and cost for workers. Thousands of workers have received free preparatory training before the exam, contributing to Thanh Hoa becoming the province with the highest number of Korean language exam candidates nationwide.
In particular, our province has implemented a comprehensive set of financial support policies. Workers from poor and near-poor households, ethnic minority households, and those with particularly difficult circumstances receive support for vocational training, foreign language learning, and health check-ups. In addition, they are facilitated to obtain unsecured loans from the Social Policy Bank, with loan amounts up to 100 million VND at preferential interest rates. Many localities also proactively allocate budgets to partially support the costs of application processing and exit fees, thereby removing financial barriers – a factor that has been the biggest obstacle for poor workers.
In addition to pre-departure support, post-departure monitoring is also emphasized. Relevant agencies coordinate closely to track the residency and employment status of workers abroad, providing legal assistance in case of disputes. This is a key differentiating factor that helps Thanh Hoa ensure the safety and legitimate rights of its workers, building lasting credibility with international markets.
With a focus on expanding labor export to new markets with high incomes and specialized requirements, our province is actively promoting cooperation with international organizations and foreign businesses, and participating in national programs on developing high-quality human resources. In addition, we are strengthening the "four stakeholders" linkage (State - schools - businesses - farmers) in training labor for export. At the same time, we clearly understand that only when workers possess sufficient professional competence, vocational skills, and foreign language proficiency can they access high-end markets, creating sustainable development for both individuals and the community. Therefore, labor export is not only a way out of poverty, but also a journey towards comprehensive integration into the international labor market.
Labor export has become a crucial pillar in the province's socio-economic development strategy. The achievements over the past period reflect not only the effectiveness of management solutions but also the consensus and efforts of the workers themselves. With a focus on expanding markets, improving the quality of human resources, and ensuring sustainable social security, Thanh Hoa continues to affirm its role as a bright spot on the national labor export map.
Tran Hang
Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/thanh-hoa-diem-sang-tren-ban-do-xuat-khau-lao-dong-ca-nuoc-254945.htm
Comment (0)