Nepali Workers Protest in South Korea EPS Program, Citing Looming Roster Expiry
Summary
Thousands of Nepali workers who passed the Employment Permit System exam are protesting over the expiring roster validity, demanding the right to work in South Korea's agriculture, construction, and shipbuilding sectors before December 2026.
Key Points
- Nearly 9,000 Nepali workers who passed the EPS language test are protesting due to the impending expiry of their eligibility roster by the end of 2026.
- Protesters demand extension of the roster validity or the right to work in South Korea before the deadline to avoid losing employment opportunities.
- The Ministry of Labor is engaging diplomatically with South Korea, with a high-level team expected to visit Korea to discuss the issue.
- South Korea has warned verbally that the employment agreement with Nepal could be jeopardized due to ongoing protests and cannot selectively extend roster periods outside its uniform rules for all sending countries.
