Australia and Germany Overtake Japan as Preferred Labor Destinations for Vietnamese Workers

Tu, who previously worked in Japan, decided to leave due to the devaluation of the yen, which impacted the value of his savings. He turned his attention to Germany, attracted by the country’s shortage of labor resources and initiatives to attract foreign workers, such as open visa policies and attractive salaries. Germany’s labor minister, Hubertus Heil, stated that the country would face a shortage of around 7 million workers by 2035 if no action is taken. Tu saw this as an opportunity to challenge himself in Europe.

Many Vietnamese workers, dissatisfied with their earnings in Japan, are now choosing to relocate to Europe or Australia. Rising inflation in Japan, leading to increased prices for essentials, combined with the dropping value of the yen, prompted workers to seek better prospects elsewhere. However, workers often find their earnings in Vietnam unsatisfactory as well.

Tu wasted no time and began learning German upon returning to Vietnam. He dedicated around eight hours a day to language study and obtained a German B1 certificate, allowing him to enroll in a three-year vocational training course in Germany. He also acquired a German training visa, granting him two additional years of stay after completing the course. Tu joined the approximately 1.25 million foreigners with similar visas in Germany. The agency that assisted Tu reported an increase in Vietnamese applicants, helping around 100 individuals relocate to Germany this year, up from approximately 20 last year.

Tu noted that the benefits offered to migrant workers, along with financial earnings, were more appealing in Germany compared to Japan. He highlighted the shorter working hours, allowing him to arrange his schedule and work in other establishments during his days off to earn extra income. Similarly, Australia has become an attractive destination for Vietnamese workers, with businesses receiving numerous visa inquiries daily. The shortage of domestic workers, partly caused by pandemic-related lockdowns, has prompted the Australian government to implement measures to attract foreign workers, including granting work visas to up to 1,500 people annually.

Australia’s average hourly wage for workers increased during the pandemic, providing Vietnamese migrant workers with the opportunity to earn attractive incomes, reaching up to AUD 10,000 per month. In comparison, Vietnamese workers in Japan typically save between VND 12-16 million per month, compared to VND 20-25 million before. Vietnamese workers in Australia have reported earning around VND 24 million in their first month and saving approximately VND 70 million per month after becoming more familiar with their jobs.

While the prospects of working in Germany and Australia are enticing, Tu and others caution individuals about the risk of scams. They advise applicants to be cautious and thorough during the visa application process, as some agencies may not provide the necessary support or mislead applicants. Despite the risks, those who have successfully transitioned to countries offering better rewards remain optimistic about their futures, confident that the experience and knowledge gained abroad will benefit them even if they return to Vietnam.