By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter
The government will extend the working period of foreigners in Korea by two years to five years beginning this year as part of efforts to improve their job security and provide better working environment for foreigners.
Under the Employment Permit System for Foreigners, they are only allowed to work in the five industries ― manufacturing, construction, farming, fishing and service ― for up to three years. To work here any longer, they must leave the country and spend at least one month in their home countries before getting permission to return.
``Beginning this year, foreigners who want to work for more than three years in Korea don't have to leave. They can stay for five years,'' said an official of the Office of the Prime Minister Wednesday. ``The measure is also helpful for Korean firms as they can hire skilled foreign workers for a longer period.''
The office plans to strengthen the monitoring of Korean firms hiring foreign workers to address human rights abuses and make it easier for them to receive health and insurance services at cheaper prices.
It will submit a revision of the law governing working conditions for foreign employees to the National Assembly this year after more discussions with the relevant ministries.
Currently, foreign workers must report abuse and unfair treatment by their Korean employers to the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Justice. However, beginning this year, the Employment Support Center under the labor ministry will handle such cases.
Under the current system, foreigners are restricted in their ability to change jobs, as they must find a new job within two months of leaving their old one, before their status becomes ``illegal.'' Also, labor contracts must be renewed every year, and not exceed three years since the entry date to Korea.
The office said it will extend the renewal period up to three years to enhance job security for foreigners.
According to the Samsung Economic Research Institute, foreigners took up 13 percent of the workforce in OECD countries in 2005, up from 9 percent in 1995. In Korea, the figure remains below 5 percent.
jj@koreatimes.co.kr
