Conference discusses expanding guest-worker program

Since 2007, Vietnam has exported roughly 80,000-90,000 guest workers abroad each year, said speakers at the conference, noting they generate roughly US$2 billion of earnings annually, much of which is repatriated.

However, these workers face many difficulties and challenges such as understanding and compliance issues related to laws and regulations of their host countries, improperly being terminated from their employment, pay shortage along with unsafe working environments.

Often, upon returning home they face difficulties finding gainful employment. The conference aimed to seek remedies to these and other matters.

Michael DiGreogorio, the chief representative of the Asian Foundation in Vietnam, underlined the importance of labour exports as part of the Government’s long-term strategy for socio-economic development.

Labour exports are an effective method to help workers lift themselves out of poverty, Mr DiGreogorio emphasized. However, workers abroad confront many risks, and it’s important to provide them with comprehensive support to ensure their rights are adequately protected.