Lao worker's death exposes gaps in Korea's seasonal labor system
The death of a seasonal worker from Laos just three days after arriving in Korea has exposed shortcomings in local governments' oversight of foreign workers on farms, with the case highlighting a recurring practice of sending workers into the field with little time to adjust or receive adequate safety training. The worker, a Lao national in her 30s, went missing on Aug. 7 after complaining of…
The death of a Lao seasonal worker in Korea has brought to light significant issues within the country's seasonal labor system. On Aug. 7, the worker, who was in her 30s, went missing after feeling unwell due to heat while working in a pumpkin field in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province. She was discovered dead the next day in nearby bushes.
This incident underscores the inadequate oversight and insufficient preparation provided to foreign workers upon their arrival. The worker, who arrived in Korea on Aug. 5 and completed immigration registration and medical checks, received only three hours of orientation before being taken to the farm. This lack of a proper adjustment period has been a recurring issue in the deployment of seasonal workers to agricultural settings, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures and more comprehensive integration processes.
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- Lao worker's death exposes gaps in Korea's seasonal labor system koreatimes.co.kr
