Ministry of Employment and Labor Inspects 'Foreign Worker Employment Sites' for Quarantine and Labor Law Compliance

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The Ministry of Employment and Labor will conduct guidance and inspections targeting workplaces employing foreign workers to manage COVID-19 prevention and protect basic labor rights.

The workplace inspections, which will take place from the 14th to November 30th, will cover approximately 1,500 workplaces employing foreign workers.

The main inspection targets include ▲ workplaces suspected of weak COVID-19 prevention management ▲ workplaces that received their first employment permit in 2019 ▲ meat processing and food manufacturing industries vulnerable to group infections ▲ workplaces that violated regulations during last year's inspections.

This inspection will focus on compliance with COVID-19 related workplace prevention guidelines, such as symptom investigation (fever checks, measures when symptomatic individuals are detected), management of dormitories and office spaces, disinfection, and hygiene maintenance.

In agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, compliance with the standard labor contract guidelines and the actual conditions of foreign workers' residential facilities will be checked to encourage improvements in poor dormitory facilities in sectors like agriculture and livestock. In construction, illegal employment of compatriot workers will be inspected, and in manufacturing, basic labor relations such as wage arrears will be the focus.

During workplace inspections, interpreters will accompany the team to simultaneously verify the working conditions and living environments of foreign workers.

If violations of labor-related laws such as wage arrears or working hour violations are detected, strict measures will be taken according to the law, including cancellation or restriction of employment permits. Through administrative guidance and publicity, employers will be encouraged to actively improve working environments.

Employment Ministry International Cooperation Officer No Gil-jun stated, "We hope this will be an opportunity for foreign workers, who are relatively vulnerable in the COVID-19 situation, to have their working environments protected."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.