In the reviewed period, Hai said there was a strong demand for guest workers from Vietnam’s traditional labour markets such as Japan, Malaysia and Middle East countries. Most of them were employed to work in the fields of construction, manufacturing and agriculture or do housework.
However, the number of Vietnamese working in the Republic of Korea – a key labour market – has dropped due to violations of labour contracts or illegal residence after their visas expired.
Hai also voiced his concern over the employment of Vietnamese workers in Angola. No businesses have been licensed to send guest workers to this African market. Those Vietnamese working in Angola have been arranged by their relatives and friends or employed by Angolan firms. They are at risk of being abused and infected by diseases, he warned.