The protesters, who passed the language examination nearly two years ago and remain on the roster, said the government has delayed the deployment process despite repeated assurances.
They began the protest citing the government’s failure to act even two months after an agreement was reached between the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security and the agitating candidates.
Rajan Dhungana, a language-test passer from Nuwakot, said many youths were forced to take to the streets as they are still unable to travel to South Korea despite having cleared both language and skills tests almost two years ago.
He blamed the situation on the authorities opening applications far beyond South Korea’s actual labour demand, leaving deserving and hardworking youths without opportunities.
Dhungana also said the prolonged delay has pushed candidates into uncertainty, as the state has failed to move forward with the necessary procedures for overseas employment.
According to official data, 163,000 candidates appeared for the EPS language test for 2025, of whom 17,030 passed.
However, most of those who passed have yet to secure employment contracts, preventing them from going to South Korea.
