Korea inspects coastal farms to protect migrant fishing workers

Korea has commenced a three-week inspection campaign aimed at coastal fishing households that employ foreign seasonal workers. The campaign, initiated by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, aims to identify and address labor abuses while enhancing living conditions within the aging maritime sector. Spanning from Monday to November 27, the inspection will encompass approximately 160 fishing households throughout the country.

The initiative comes in response to heightened concerns regarding the well-being of foreign laborers recruited to address significant workforce shortages in rural coastal communities. Joint inspection teams, comprising government officials, local authorities, and civil rights groups, will conduct direct visits to five municipal regions with substantial seasonal worker allocations or persistent allegations of human rights violations. In addition, local governments will independently audit an extra 22 municipalities.

During the inspections, authorities will focus on ensuring adherence to standard labor contracts, the provision of adequate heating and housing in anticipation of the winter season, mandatory insurance coverage, and other crucial aspects of worker protection.