More than 103,000 Nepalis have applied for just 5,300 job quotas offered by South Korea for 2025 under the Employment Permit System (EPS), according to the EPS Korea Branch in Nepal.
South Korea has allocated the quota for workers in the manufacturing and agriculture, livestock sectors. Applications were open from August 10 to 15, during which more than 100,000 people submitted forms to sit for the language test, a mandatory requirement for selection.
EPS officials said the initial screening of applications is under way. The language test will be held in up to five shifts per day, and only those who pass will be eligible for the final employment selection.
The Korean labor market remains one of the most sought,after destinations for Nepali workers, with the EPS test drawing massive participation every year. High wages, a regulated labor market, and worker, friendly policies are considered the key attractions.
Observers note that the overwhelming number of applications compared to the limited quota reflects the strong pull of South Korea’s labor opportunities for Nepali youths.