Vietnam sent more than 59,600 workers abroad under labor contracts in the first five months of 2023, a 1.9-fold increase over the same period last year, figures from the Department of Overseas Labor at the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs show.

Japan continued to be the most common destination, with over 28,500 workers, followed by Taiwan (China) with over 26,200 workers and South Korea with 1,210.

In May alone, 9,700 Vietnamese were sent overseas to work, according to the department. 

Vietnam targets sending 110,000 workers overseas under labor contracts this year, focusing on traditional markets and new occupations with higher pay in Europe.

Vietnamese workers are now present in over 40 countries and territories worldwide.