South Korea has called applications for the fourth Korean language test to select around 8,200 Nepali job aspirants, 4,600 in manufacturing and 3,600 in agriculture and livestock sectors.

According to the Human Resource Department (HRD) of South Korea, Nepalis under 40 years of age can apply for the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) that will be held on August 21-24, 2013. Employment Permit System (EPS) Nepal under the Department of Foreign Employment has planned to accept applications from five places— Kathmandu, Dharan and Butwal.

However, the TOPIK test will be held in Kathmandu only. The details of the test will be published in national newspapers and EPS website on September 25, it said. The applicant has to pay $24 (Rs 2,266) to get registered for the test, it said, adding that TOPIK result will be published on October 21 in EPS TOPIK, HRD South Korea and EPS Korea websites.

According to EPS, the test will be of two modules — listening and reading — and multiple choices. Applicants have to attach a copy of the Nepali citizenship certificate or passport along with a 6 x 12cm photograph in the application, it said.

South Korea has become the most lucrative destination for Nepali workers. An EPS jobholder makes around $970 (Rs 90,000) a month in South Korea. Nepali youth have been attracted towards the jobs in the destination, therefore, about 57,000 Nepalis had applied for TOPIK in 2011.

More than 32,000 aspirants had attended the first Korean language test in August 2008. About 20,000 Nepalis have been working in the destination and 18,000 are EPS workers. However, about 6,000 Nepalis are still waiting to join South Korean jobs from the job roster created in 2011.

Job aspirants included in the roster have been protesting against starting the new Korean language test only after they are assured of their jobs in South Korea.

The timeline

• Filing for application — August 21-24

• Language test — October 6-7

• Publication of language test result — October 21

• Criteria: Nepali citizen born between October 7, 1973, and October 5, 1995, Not jailed for criminal activities

• Not deported from South Korea

• Not restricted to leave the homeland

Published on: 27 July 2013 | The Himalayan Times