Thai workers wanted by Korean shipbuilding industry, cons and pros

Thai workers wanted by Korean shipbuilding industry, cons and pros
Mikhail Voytenko Aug 03, 2022 https://www.fleetmon.com/maritime-news/2022/39049/thai-workers-wanted-ko...

Thai Ministry of Labor reached an agreement with Korean Shipbuilding Association including Hyundai, to open a window for Thai skilled workers willing to go to Korea. Korean shipbuilding industry is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, such as welders (some 4,000 vacancies); electricians (1,800 vacancies); painters (1,400 vacancies). South Korea has increased migrant quota by 20%, aiming at skilled work force, with Thais being among top wanted workers. South Korea meanwhile, was to send industry representatives to Thailand to test applicants’ skills. Korean Government is considering the shift in age limits, allowing more workers to enter Korean labor market. Understood proposed age shift applies both to current Korean and Thai age limits.

Many Thais choose to enter Korea as tourists and work illegally. Bangkok Post estimates last year a total of 18,221 Thai nationals were legally employed while the number of illegal workers known as phi noi or "little ghost" was estimated to be at about 140,000, according to statistics provided by South Korean Embassy.