A total of 53,159 workers were sent abroad between January and May, against a full-year target of 112,000.
Japan remained the largest destination, receiving 24,030 Vietnamese workers, followed by Taiwan with 21,104 and South Korea with 3,217. Smaller numbers travelled to China, Singapore, Greece and Russia.
In May alone, 11,948 workers went overseas under labour contracts. Taiwan was the leading destination with 5,764 workers, followed by Japan with 4,608 and South Korea with 423.
Japan has recently expanded its Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) programme by adding three new sectors - linen supply, logistics warehousing and resource recycling - bringing the total number of eligible sectors to 19.
The country is also set to launch its Employment for Skill Development (ESD) programme in April 2027, creating additional opportunities for foreign workers, including Vietnamese nationals.
Under the revised plan, Japan's SSW programme is expected to accept 805,700 workers between April 2024 and March 2029, while the ESD programme is projected to recruit 426,200 workers from April 2027 to March 2029.
