Labour minister says harassment, violence against foreign workers 'must never occur'
South Korean Labour Minister Kim Young-hoon has vowed to protect foreign workers in the country from discrimination, harassment, and violence.
Kim stated that guaranteeing the rights of foreign workers is the "most important principle" that South Korea must uphold.
"Ensuring that foreign workers are guaranteed their rights and can work in an equitable environment free from discrimination ― this is the most important principle we must uphold," the labour minister said, as quoted by The Korea Times.
"Harassment, violence, and other types of human rights violations against them must never occur under any circumstances."
Kim also vowed to crack down on wage payment delays, and to improve communication systems to foster safer workplaces for non-Koreans, according to The Korea Times.
He also pledged to expand support for housing improvements, counselling, and other essential services for migrant workers.
Employment Permit System anniversary
Kim made the remarks in a conference that marked the 21st anniversary of South Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS).
The initiative enables South Korean employers who cannot find local employees to legally hire foreign workers from 17 partner nations in Asia.
"We breathe, work and grow together with workers from 17 different countries. Their sweat, dedication, patience, and commitment will never be forgotten," Kim said.
In 2014, Amnesty International found that the EPS "directly contributes to the serious exploitation of migrant agricultural workers."
According to the EPS website, workers who are experiencing adjustment problems, physical harassment, sexual harassment, and other human rights violations during their stay in South Korea may reach out to the government for support.
Abuse of migrant workers
Kim's remarks also come after the Gwangju-Jeonnam Migrant Workers Network released in July footage of a Sri Lankan worker who reached out to them after suffering from abuse.
The footage showed the worker, 31, while he was tied to cargo and suspended in midair from a forklift for about five minutes in a brick factory in South Jeolla province.
The case ended in a settlement, including financial compensation, after the victim found the emotional toll of facing police and labour authorities to be too burdensome, according to a Korea Times report.
President Lee Jae-myung slammed the incident as an "intolerable form of violence against a minority and a clear violation of human rights."
South Korea's Ministry of Employment and Labour also launched an inspection on workplace abuse and labour law violations involving migrant workers following the incident.
