Utilization of Migrant Work Experiences: The Case of Nepalese Workers in Korea

Using the unique dataset on work experiences of Nepalese labor migrants in Korea, this study examines the perceptions of migrant labors on the utilization of work experiences. The data collected from a survey for 180 Nepalese workers provides detailed information on their assessment of work experiences in Korea and future utilization of them after return. Further, the study identifies factors to affect the perceived usefulness of the experiences and the expected job continuity in home country, applying the ordered probit model. The findings conclude that the work experience is unlikely to lead to direct utilization in home country. Rather, general experiences and saved income during the overseas work may be an important asset for their next lives in Nepal. The study provides policy implications that greater impacts of migrant work on economic development at home require the inducement of migrant workers to do more skilled labor in host country and the improvement of business environment in home country.