The Government of South Korea has expressed serious concern over the safety of its human resource staff facilitating the Employment Permit System (EPS) in Nepal, warning that it may be unable to send personnel again if security risks continue.

A delegation led by the head of the human resource division of South Korea’s Ministry of Labour and Employment held an ‘emergency meeting’ with officials from the Nepali embassy on Friday, citing repeated demonstrations by Nepali workers who had passed language and skills tests. The protesters demanded extended roster periods and priority placement in Korean employment.

South Korean officials stated that the EPS system operates uniformly for 17 countries, including Nepal, and that separate arrangements for Nepal are not possible. According to the officials, approximately 44.8 percent of foreign workers currently in South Korea under EPS are Nepali, with 18 percent of last year’s arrivals coming from Nepal. The majority of Korean employers reportedly prioritise Nepali workers.

The EPS roster allows only two years for employers to select candidates who have passed the language test. If not selected within this period, candidates must retake the test. Since 2007, when Nepal and South Korea signed a memorandum of understanding to send Nepali workers under the EPS, more than 121,000 Nepalis, including 8,700 women, have gone to South Korea for employment.

Protesters have staged rallies, sit-ins, and demonstrations at EPS offices in Kathmandu, demanding that those on the roster be given priority, that second-phase tests be conducted for those waiting, and that employment opportunities be aligned with employers’ requirements.

In response, Nepal has prepared a high-level team to discuss the issues with South Korean authorities later this month, with the deputy minister setting the end of February as the timeline.

Tikaram Dhakal, spokesperson at the Department of Immigration, said in a statement on January 24 that the office is committed to resolving issues only through dialogue and urged protesters not to engage in rallies or demonstrations.

He added that any lapses or irregularities affecting candidates’ chances of going to South Korea would be investigated and addressed according to the law.