Gov't imposes up to 20-year ban on individuals with criminal records from working as delivery drivers
A special transportation vehicle for individuals with disabilities is operated by Daejeon City. Korea Times file
People convicted of serious crimes, including sexual offenses such as rape, will be prohibited from working as delivery drivers for platforms such as Baedal Minjok or Coupang Eats for up to 20 years.
Similarly, those with violent criminal records will be barred from employment in roles related to transportation services for people with disabilities.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced Tuesday that a revised enforcement decree of the Last-mile Logistics Industry Development Act was approved during a Cabinet meeting.
This revision restricts individuals with criminal records from working in small-parcel delivery services for periods ranging from two to 20 years, depending on the severity of their offenses.
The restrictions apply to employees of certified delivery companies or subcontractors working with licensed operators. Specific penalties include 20 years for murder, human trafficking and sexual offenses; 18 years for habitual theft; 10 years for marijuana-related drug offenses; six years for lending drug-handling licenses and two years for violations related to drug handling.
With these changes, individuals with severe criminal histories will face significant limitations in joining major delivery platforms. Certified delivery businesses currently include Woowa Bros., which oversees Baedal Minjok’s logistics, Coupang Eats Service and other key players.
These companies and their subcontracted agencies must check the criminal histories of their employees and potential hires through the National Police Agency. Failure to comply with these checks or to terminate contracts with ineligible workers within a month could result in fines of up to 5 million won ($3,800).
The Cabinet also approved changes to the Act on Promotion of the Transportation Convenience Of Mobility Disadvantaged Persons.
The new rules prohibit individuals with records of violent crimes, including sexual offenses and drug-related crimes, from working in special transportation services for people with disabilities for up to 20 years. Employers in this sector are now required to confirm applicants’ eligibility with local police before hiring.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.