Critics call for the elimination of restrictions on migrant workers changing workplaces and express concerns about the expansion of private sector involvement in recruitment activities in South Korea.
As the Ministry of Employment and Labor prepares to conclude its task force focusing on migrant labor, concerns have arisen over inadequate measures being proposed for protecting the rights of migrant workers. Over 100 civic organizations advocating for migrant labor rights have criticized the task force's review of reform plans, arguing that they contain harmful clauses. These organizations are calling for the guarantee of freedom for workers to change jobs, as well as the development of solutions to issues like unpaid wages and workplace injuries. The task force plans to draft amendments to related laws following discussions towards the end of this month.
On March 23rd, 106 civil society organizations related to migrant labor gathered in front of the Blue House to demand the abolition of restrictions that they argue lead to discrimination and exploitation in Korea's migrant labor system. The task force is considering slightly reducing the current three-year restriction period for changing workplaces to one or two years; however, demands from labor sectors to completely abolish these limits have not been acknowledged. Additionally, there are concerns regarding discussions within the task force about increasing private sector involvement in recruitment processes, which has raised alarms among civil society organizations about potential corruption and excessive control over migrant workers.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of proposed measures for the protection of migrant workers' rights has also been questioned. While civil organizations appreciate the expansion of counseling services and support centers for migrant workers, they criticize the task force for neglecting critical issues like unpaid wages and workplace injuries. The groups are demanding legal prohibitions on temporary housing conditions for migrant agricultural workers and seeking a unified management of labor ministry policies concerning work visas for migrant workers. This ongoing situation highlights the significant reforms needed to protect the rights and working conditions of migrant workers in South Korea.
