KPL
Laos has proposed raising the age limits for seasonal workers sent to Seongju County in the Republic of Korea and introducing quotas for married couples, as the two sides review their labour cooperation programme and seek to improve worker welfare and recruitment arrangements.
Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Phongsaysack Inthalath raised the proposals during a meeting with Jang Ik-bong, Vice Chairman of the Seongju County Council, and a delegation from the county in Vientiane on October 12, 2026.
To improve worker safety during South Korea’s hot summer months, the Lao side called on local authorities and employers to monitor working conditions, reduce prolonged outdoor work and take measures to prevent heatstroke. It also proposed providing adequate drinking water and cooling equipment, such as portable fans or air-cooled jackets, for seasonal agricultural workers.
On recruitment, Laos proposed increasing the maximum eligible age to 45 for male workers and 40 for female workers, reflecting Seongju County’s demand for male agricultural labourers. The Lao side also requested a dedicated quota for married couples, as some male applicants prefer to undertake seasonal farm work alongside their spouses.
The meeting reviewed the implementation of the seasonal worker programme and discussed ways to improve cooperation between the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare’s Department of Employment and Seongju County.
The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on seasonal worker cooperation on November 20, 2023, with deployments beginning in 2024.
According to the figures provided, Laos dispatched 153 workers to Seongju County in 2024, with no unauthorised departures. The number rose to 1,292 in 2025, when one worker departed without authorisation, and reached 1,333 in 2026 to date, with six unauthorised departures reported.
Workers are mainly recruited from districts based on their agricultural experience and are selected through interviews. Employers in Seongju County have generally complied with labour standards, maintained supervision and prioritised rehiring experienced workers, helping keep labour disputes to a minimum.
The discussions aim to strengthen bilateral labour cooperation while improving recruitment arrangements, working conditions and protections for Lao seasonal workers in the Republic of Korea.
KPL
