KATHMANDU: A top official of the South Korean government has announced that he will welcome additional Nepali workers in South Korea next year.

Visiting Special Envoy of the South Korean President Jang Sung Min said that around 15,000 Nepali workers are currently working in South Korea in various sectors. “We hope to see the number further increase in the next year,” he said, while appreciating the hard work and honesty of Nepali workers.

Addressing a press briefing organized in the capital on Monday, Special Envy Jang, who was accompanied by business leaders and other senior government officials, said South Korea has extended work permits to workers from various 16 countries. He added that Nepali workers are preferred by the South Korean employers for their hard work and honesty.

The number of Nepali workers in South Korea under the EPS arrangement is expected to reach 20,000 next year. “Our country has become one of the most preferred labor destinations as we ensure human rights to all workers. We do not have any discrimination between foreign and domestic workers,” he said.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol had sent Special Envoy Jang to Nepal as the two countries are celebrating the 50th year of the establishment of diplomatic relations. “Next year, Korea and Nepal are celebrating the 50th year of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. I am here to see the opportunities that can be done to celebrate the 50th anniversary and further strengthen our bilateral relations,” he further said.

Special Envoy Jang said South Korea was one of the poorest countries some 70 years ago and that it could transform as one of the 10th largest economies in the world with the support of international friends and partners. “It is our time to give back to others. I am here to discuss with Nepali friends how we can further enhance our development assistance,” he said.

Jang also said that since Nepal and South Korea share a lot of commonalities the development lessons that South Korea pursued could be of a great help to Nepal. He said that the democratic path that Nepal has pursued could be helpful to bring about development in the country.

Special envoy Jang also highlighted various development assistance that South Korea is offering to Nepal. While stating that South Korea is committed to provide jobs and skills to as many Nepali nationals as possible, he also announced that Samsung Company has already established an assembly plant in Bhairahawa to start manufacturing Samsung TV. The company expects to start manufacturing from the first week of March.

Earlier on Monday, Special Envoy Jang paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr Bimala Rai Paudyal. He is also scheduled to hold a meeting with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.