On August 8, the Ministry of Employment and Labor announced that Minister Kim Young-hoon, together with Ahn Ho-young, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee, and Yoo Hee-tae, Mayor of Wanju County, visited a farm employing foreign workers in Wanju County, North Jeolla Province.

During the visit, the delegation conducted an on-site inspection of the labor environment for foreign workers, recognizing the persistent discrimination and human rights violations that occur, particularly during the sweltering summer months in rural areas.

The delegation inspected the accommodation facilities for migrant workers, checking basics such as air conditioning and heating. They encouraged business owners who had renovated existing houses to provide a more comfortable living environment for their staff.

At a lettuce farm, compliance with five key safety rules to prevent heat-related illnesses was reviewed. Authorities also requested that employers provide at least 20 minutes of rest every two hours, along with access to cool drinking water for their workers.

A subsequent roundtable gave voice to the real-life work and living experiences of migrant workers, as well as to challenges faced by employers in the agricultural sector.

During the event, safety supplies and items to prevent heat-related illnesses were distributed directly to workers. The government, the National Assembly, and local governments all reaffirmed their dedication to policies that respect workers’ rights.

Minister Kim Young-hoon emphasized the importance of respecting the human and labor rights of all workers. He introduced a campaign encouraging the use of foreign workers’ names, noting that the government had begun distributing name tags in both the workers’ native languages and Korean, to be attached to their work uniforms.

Going forward, the Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to collaborate with the Human Resources Development Service of Korea to provide Korean-language name tags to all employees under the Employment Permit System and expand human rights and industrial safety education for employers.

There are also intentions to broaden the campaign in partnership with local governments and human rights organizations, and to promote a shift in public perception about foreign workers through a variety of administrative supports.

With cases of rights violations against migrant laborers continuing to surface, an intensive reporting period for labor rights violations will run from the 11th to the 29th of August. Beginning August 20, every Wednesday will be designated as “Foreign Worker Labor Rights Report and Consultation Day,” with employment centers staffed by labor attorneys, labor inspectors, and interpreters to offer one-stop counseling services.

During this focus period, the Ministry of Employment and Labor will strengthen the use of its reporting system for migrant workers’ labor rights via online platforms, social networks, brochures, and in cooperation with local governments. Proactive workplace inspections, especially in rural areas with large numbers of foreign employees, will be carried out based on analysis of past case studies.

Minister Kim Young-hoon stated, “The joint efforts of the government, the National Assembly, and local governments to directly address the human rights, safety, and housing issues of foreign workers in rural areas are very meaningful. All forms of human rights violations must be eradicated, and labor rights without discrimination must be assured.”

He further highlighted the seriousness of the living conditions faced by migrant workers in rural and fishing communities, adding, “Improving residential environments is a fundamental human rights issue, and we are committed to formulating comprehensive measures.”

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Yonhap News Agency