속아서 원거리 조업선 타지 않게…어업 인신매매 기준 구체화

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has announced that criteria for identifying and protecting victims of human trafficking in the fishing industry will be clarified starting from March 3rd. A partial revision of guidelines for identifying and protecting trafficking victims in this sector was partially announced on February 2nd.

This revision is based on Article 13 of the Trafficking in Persons Prevention and Victim Protection Act, which establishes standards for identifying and addressing trafficking victims in investigations and checks.

The revised guidelines will allow authorities to use indicators to assess the situation when victims of human trafficking are identified, providing them with support for their livelihood, healthcare, and other needs. Under the current law, penalties for human trafficking range from 2 to 15 years of imprisonment for those who engage in the sale of human labor for the purpose of exploiting their labor.

The revision of these guidelines reflects the efforts to address human trafficking in the fishing industry, taking into account the specific characteristics and varying employment forms of the industry, including long-distance assignments, subcontracting, and remote work locations. The new criteria take into account the working conditions of migrant workers on isolated fishing vessels and at remote work sites, such as restrictions on financial arrangements, forced confinement prior to departure, and physical or emotional control during employment.

Kim Seong-cheol, a policy official at the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, stated that "the fishing industry often involves working environments isolated from external contact, making it difficult for victims to reveal their plight and vulnerable to forced labor exploitation." He added, "Through this revision, we will strive to more closely monitor potential signs of victimization and provide timely protection."