The South Korean government is considering changes to the employment permit system for foreign workers, particularly concerning the criteria for changing workplaces. The proposed changes would reduce the mandatory duration from three years to one or two years for changing jobs, reflecting the reality that a high percentage of foreign workers change jobs within this timeframe. However, critics argue that alongside this minor relaxation, the government is introducing provisions that may harm workers further, such as penalties for perceived work sabotage, which could lead to exploitation and a loss of rights.

A key concern is that the new measures could exacerbate human rights violations against foreign workers. The government proposal includes allowing employers to access the job change history of foreign workers, which could lead to a 'blacklist' scenario for workers who have changed jobs. Legal experts warn that the balance of power lies heavily with employers and the government, making it difficult for workers to refuse consent to share their job change history. This disclosure risks leading to stigmatization and further marginalization of foreign workers who may have needed to change jobs due to valid reasons such as unfair treatment.

In a broader context, this initiative highlights ongoing discussions in South Korea about the treatment and rights of foreign workers. The government’s engagement with various stakeholders in the 'foreign manpower integrated support task force' aims to improve the rights of these workers. However, the backlash against potentially regressive measures, especially the concept of penalizing workers for perceived underperformance, suggests that a delicate balance must be maintained between protecting workers' rights and responding to employer concerns. The outcome of these discussions could significantly affect the working conditions and rights of foreign workers in South Korea.