Jindo County Implements First Drug Test for Foreign Seasonal Workers

Affordable Drug Tests for Foreign Seasonal Workers
at 33,000 Won Per Person

The Jindo County Public Health Center in Jeonnam announced on the 25th that it has begun conducting drug tests for foreign seasonal workers starting from the 21st.

Foreign seasonal workers are required to submit a drug test certificate for foreigner registration. Previously, there were no hospitals or clinics in Jindo County designated by the Ministry of Justice to conduct drug tests, so workers had to visit medical institutions outside the county, undergo the test, and make an additional visit to obtain the test certificate, which caused significant inconvenience.

Jindo County Health Center is conducting drug tests on foreign seasonal workers. Photo by Jindo County

Additionally, while the drug test fee at medical institutions outside the county is 50,000 won per person, the Jindo County Public Health Center charges 33,000 won per person, making it more affordable and reducing both the time and financial burden for local farmers and fishermen.

Last year, 645 foreign seasonal workers in the agricultural sector and 170 in the fisheries sector, totaling 815, entered the county and contributed to alleviating the labor shortage in rural areas. This year, the county plans to assign 1,017 seasonal workers to local farms and fisheries and is accepting applications at township offices on an ongoing basis.

Kim Heesu, the county governor, said, "Relevant departments have worked together to resolve the inconveniences faced by farms and fisheries employing seasonal workers," and added, "We will continue to do our best to address the concerns of our residents."

Meanwhile, Jindo County is promoting various initiatives such as support programs for foreign worker accommodations and medical expenses to improve the working conditions of the steadily increasing number of foreign workers.

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