Korea inspects coastal farms to protect migrant fishing workers

Korea has initiated a three-week inspection campaign, lasting until November 27, to scrutinize coastal fishing households that employ foreign seasonal workers. The nationwide effort, spearheaded by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, aims to uncover labor abuses and enhance living conditions within the aging maritime industry.

The inspection, which will examine approximately 160 fishing households, will take place between Monday and November 27. Rising concerns over the welfare of foreign laborers recruited to address critical workforce shortages in rural coastal areas have fueled this initiative. Inspectors, comprising government officials, local authorities, and civil rights organizations, will visit key coastal regions, including five municipalities with significant seasonal worker allocations or a history of alleged human rights violations, and an additional 22 municipalities.

The inspections will concentrate on adhering to labor contracts, ensuring adequate heating and housing for the approaching winter, mandatory insurance coverage, and other essential provisions.