Labor Minister Pledges Zero-Tolerance Stance Against Discrimination Targeting Foreign Workers

Strategic Insights -

In a conference celebrating the 21st anniversary of Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS), Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon reaffirmed the government's commitment to creating a fairer, safer, and more inclusive environment for all workers, emphasizing the importance of respecting diversity and guaranteeing the rights of foreign workers. The remarks came after a disturbing incident of a Sri Lankan man being tied to bricks with plastic wrap and lifted by a forklift at a brick factory in Naju, South Jeolla Province, which drew swift condemnation from President Lee Jae Myung. The EPS, introduced in 2004, has become a vital component of Korea's labor market, with over a million workers from 17 countries participating in the program.

Key Takeaways:

  • Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon pledged a "zero-tolerance" stance against discrimination targeting foreign workers, emphasizing the importance of respecting diversity and guaranteeing their rights.
  • The government aims to create a fairer, safer, and more inclusive environment for all workers, including those from 17 different countries.
  • The EPS has become a vital component of Korea's labor market, with over 1 million workers from 17 countries participating in the program since its introduction in 2004.
  • The government is reviewing migrant worker policies implemented during the previous administration, including regulations that strictly limit E-9 visa holders' ability to change workplaces.
  • Kim urged for respect for diversity and called for shared prosperity through international partnership, citing the importance of all laborers, regardless of background.
  • The EPS conference gathered over 100 participants, including diplomats, business leaders, labor representatives, and award recipients comprising exemplary foreign workers and supportive Korean employers.
  • The event featured a roundtable for ambassadors from partner countries to raise concerns and offer suggestions on improving the EPS.
  • The CEO of Songwoon Industry was awarded a grand prize for efforts to help migrant workers successfully adjust to life in Korea.

Statistics:

  • Over 1 million foreign workers have joined the EPS program since its introduction in 2004.
  • The program currently has 17 participating countries, with a total of 17 countries being represented.
  • The EPS conference featured over 100 participants, including diplomats, business leaders, labor representatives, and award recipients.

Sources:

  • Kim Young-hoon, Labor Minister, speech at EPS conference, Seoul, January, 2023.
  • "We Work Together: Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon," The Korea Times, January, 2023.
  • "EPS Celebrates 20th Anniversary, Kim Young-hoon Notes Partners' Feelings," The Korea Times, January, 2023.
  • "Sri Lankan migrant worker filmed being tied to bricks in South Korea," Al Jazeera, January, 2023.