During the first five months of 2023 (January-May), Vietnam saw remarkable success in overseas labor exports. Nearly 60,000 Vietnamese workers secured employment contracts abroad, representing a significant 54.2% of the country’s annual manpower export target for 2023. Notably, female workers comprised nearly 35% (20,585) of these placements.

Japan remains Vietnam’s leading manpower market, employing a substantial 28,513 Vietnamese workers during this period. Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) follows closely, providing jobs for 26,201 individuals, with South Korea in third place at 1,210 workers. In May 2023 alone, almost 10,000 Vietnamese workers found overseas employment, according to the Department of Overseas Labor.

Vietnam’s strong showing in 2023 follows an even more impressive 2022 performance. Last year, approximately 143,000 Vietnamese secured overseas work, surpassing the annual plan by 158.64%. Japan emerged as the top manpower importer, providing jobs for nearly half of these workers.

Currently, Vietnamese manpower is valued in over 40 countries and territories worldwide. In 2023, Vietnam aims to send 110,000 laborers abroad. To expand opportunities, the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs focuses on both traditional markets and new avenues in Europe, targeting higher-paying jobs. This strategic shift aligns with global trends, as many nations reassessed their foreign worker policies following the pandemic.

The first half of 2023 witnessed a sustained surge in Vietnamese manpower exports, with 72,300 workers securing contracts, representing 65.72% of the annual target. This figure marks a 1.55-fold increase over the same period in 2022.

The first six months of 2023 saw established manpower markets maintain their dominance. Japan received 34,508 Vietnamese workers, while Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) took in 31,538. South Korea (1,608 workers) and China (902 workers) followed. Additional destinations with notable imports of Vietnamese manpower include Hungary, Singapore, and Romania, each receiving between 400 and 700 workers. A total of 12,649 workers secured positions overseas in June 2023.

Japan Taps Vietnamese Manpower to Address Shrinking Workforce

Faced with a dwindling domestic workforce, Japan is dramatically revising its policies to attract and retain skilled foreign workers – particularly from Vietnam. The nation proposes an overhaul of two key programs: the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) and the Specified Skilled Worker Program (SSWP).

To expand opportunities under TITP, Japan plans to create a new SSWP Category 2. This category would significantly broaden job options for skilled Vietnamese workers, extending beyond traditional fields like construction and shipbuilding into industries such as IT, agriculture, and nursing. Additionally, exceptional Vietnamese manpower demonstrating high proficiency during TITP training could receive long-term Japanese residency, a substantial departure from the temporary visas currently offered. This shift could open pathways for Vietnamese workers to establish long-term careers and families in Japan.

The combined effect of these changes could bring a massive influx of Vietnamese manpower to Japan. Experts anticipate up to 500,000 workers between TITP and the new SSWP Category 2, cementing Vietnam as a vital source of skilled labor for Japan.

South Korea Another Key Market for Vietnamese Manpower

Vietnam is also actively pursuing opportunities in South Korea, where demand for skilled workers is high. Under the Employment Permit System (EPS) – a program facilitating Vietnamese job placements in South Korea – approximately 10,000 Vietnamese workers are expected to secure employment in 2023. This increase highlights the appeal of South Korea’s manpower market – with average monthly incomes ranging from US$1,500-2,000, workers can anticipate improved living standards.