Labor minister vows ‘zero tolerance’ for discrimination against foreign workers
Kim Young-hoon outlines commitments to fairness, safety, inclusion at employment permit seminar
Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon speaks during a conference marking the 21st anniversary of the Employment Permit System at Hotel Shilla in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Ministry of Employment and Labor
As Korea celebrates the 21st anniversary of the Employment Permit System (EPS) ― its labor migration framework with partner nations in Asia ― Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon pledged on Wednesday a “zero-tolerance” stance against discrimination targeting foreign workers.
At an EPS conference in Seoul attended by representatives from 17 labor-sending countries, Kim underscored a firm stance against discrimination and called for respect for diversity. He outlined the ministry’s commitments to creating a fairer, safer and more inclusive environment for all workers, envisioning shared prosperity through international partnership.
“We breathe, work and grow together with workers from 17 different countries. Their sweat, dedication, patience and commitment will never be forgotten,” Kim said during his speech at the event. “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. Harassment, violence and other types of human rights violations against them must never occur under any circumstances.”
The comments came after video footage released last month by the Gwangju Jeonnam Migrant Workers’ Human Rights Network showed a Sri Lankan man in his 30s tied to bricks with plastic wrap and lifted by a forklift at a brick factory in Naju, South Jeolla Province. The disturbing footage drew swift condemnation from President Lee Jae Myung, who called the incident a “blatant violation of human rights” and pledged stronger protections for vulnerable workers.
Introduced to manage foreign workers in collaboration with six partner countries, the EPS has become a vital component of Korea’s labor market. Since the arrival of the first group of 92 workers from the Philippines in August 2004, more than a million others from a total of 17 countries have joined the program.
Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., Kim, the Lee Jae Myung administration’s first labor minister, underscored the dignity and importance of all laborers, regardless of background.
More specifically, Kim pledged to crack down on delays in wage payments and help create safer workplaces for non-Koreans by improving communication systems.
Recognizing the challenges of living in a foreign country, Kim also promised to expand support for housing improvements, counseling and other essential services for migrant workers.
The conference gathered more than 100 participants, including diplomats, business leaders and labor representatives, as well as award recipients comprising exemplary foreign workers and supportive Korean employers. The event also featured a roundtable for ambassadors from partner countries to raise concerns and offer suggestions on improving the EPS.
The Minister of Employment and Labor Award was presented to a worker from Uzbekistan, named Akbar, for his sincerity and competence. The CEO of Songwoon Industry was awarded the grand prize for efforts to help migrant workers successfully adjust to life in Korea.
Lee Woo-young, CEO of the Human Resources Development Service of Korea, which serves as a central body for implementation and support in the EPS, said his organization would continue to play a key role in making an exemplary global labor partnership system.
“Looking beyond the achievements of the past 20 years, we are preparing for a new future for the EPS, one focused on mutual growth and prosperity,” the CEO said.
Yet sensitive issues — such as whether and how to revise regulations that strictly limit E-9 visa holders’ ability to change workplaces — were not directly mentioned at the conference.
Speaking to The Korea Times on Tuesday, an official said the ministry is currently reviewing all migrant worker policies implemented during the previous administration, including those regulations.