People living in coastal areas affected by the pollution from Taiwan’s Formosa Steel Plant (FHS) at the Vung Ang Industrial Zone in north-central Ha Tinh province will receive support in vocational training and be prioritized in labor exports, Deputy Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs Doan Mau Diep has said.

A survey has revealed that around 263,000 workers four north-central and central provinces - Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien Hue - have been affected directly or indirectly by the pollution.

The ministry will give priority to these people in its low-cost labor export programs, Mr. Diep said.

The program for labor exports to South Korea will receive 3,500 affected people.

In the nursing export labor program to Japan and Germany, the ministry will provide free training to those with a Bachelor’s degree or nursing college certificate.

If their skills satisfy the necessary conditions they will receive support in finding employment in Japan and Germany.

Programs sending trainees to Japan are low cost, with those selected being paid $800-$1,000 per month.

Before returning home they receive $2,000 when on a one-year program and $6,000 for a three year program.

The ministry will also accelerate labor exports to Thailand, which provides jobs such as on-shore fishing and construction work.

Poor households affected will receive free vocational training and be introduced to potential jobs. The ministry will also introduce other support, such as preferential loans and job assistance.

Mr. Diep pointed out, though, that most of these people have long lived on the coast so changing jobs will be difficult.

Households not consider poor will receive support under Decree No. 61/ 2015/ND-CP, issued on July 9.

According to the decree, they will receive support similar to that provided to farmers when hit by natural disasters.

Those affected will also have access to support in securing jobs that are in keeping with their skills, such as on-shore fishing in South Korea or Taiwan.

Thailand has announced on July 1 that it will receive Vietnamese workers in on-shore fishing and construction, while other jobs will be offered gradually.

When the coastal area recovers they can return home.

Funding for these programs will come from the State budget if not covered by the $500 million in compensation paid by FHS.    

VN Economic Times