VietNamNet Bridge – Overseas worker recruitment companies had contributed considerably to improving living conditions and professional skills for guest workers that had finished contracts abroad.

The conclusion was announced by the Institute of Labour Science and Social Affairs at a workshop in Ha Noi yesterday, March 16, following the results of a World Bank-sponsored survey conducted on 500 former guest workers who worked abroad from 2004-08.

Almost 90 per cent of respondents said their lives had become much better thanks to their earnings abroad, which had enabled them to boost their household incomes and afford education for their children.

Up to 84 per cent of workers said that their job skills had improved considerably since returning home. The ratio of guest workers to join agricultural production reduced from 71 per cent to 53 per cent after returning home, while the number of guest workers to hold managerial positions or fill high-level technical vacancies increased.

However, the survey also pointed out several problems, such as a lack of available jobs and limited assistance from local administrations. Guest workers who returned home before their labour contracts expired due to the economic crisis were sometimes unable to earn enough to cover travel costs.

The survey asked the State to issue policies to encourage recruitment companies to find jobs for returning workers and instructed local administrations to take measures to support guest workers who breached their labour contracts in extenuating circumstances.

The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs reported that there were 400,000 Vietnamese guest workers living in around 40 countries and territories. Remittances sent home by guest workers are estimated at US$1.8 billion annually.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News