Informing about the upcoming language tests schedule at a programme in the South Korean capital Seoul on Monday, the Human Resource Department of EPS-Korea said the tests will be conducted in six countries, including Nepal.

According to the schedule, the details of the exam will be announced on July 31 and the application forms will be distributed in Kathmandu, Dharan and Butwal from August 13-16. Likewise, the written examination will take place on September 26-27, while the results will be made public on October 15.

While the Korean government has not yet specified quota for the countries, it says those passing the written language test will be eligible to enter South Korea as immigrant workers in 2015. The Korean government approves and finalises the yearly quota of the respective countries by the end of December.

The South Korean human resource department has allocated 5,700 jobs to Nepali workers for 2014 under the EPS. South Korea had hired 5,234 Nepali migrants in 2013. It has also increased the minimum salary of migrant workers by seven percent.

Nepali youths started to enter Korea as migrant workers after Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the South Korean government on July 31, 2007. Since then, nearly 22,000 Nepalis have found employment in the country through four EPS tests. South Korea is one of the most lucrative labour destinations for Nepali migrants.