South Korea’s seasonal worker program- uncovering abuse and exploitation
South Korea’s seasonal worker scheme has come under fire, with accusations of modern slavery and systemic abuse of migrant workers, primarily from the Philippines. An investigation by Context, the news agency of the Tomas Reuters Foundation, reveals insights.
South Korea’s seasonal worker scheme
The seasonal worker scheme aims to address South Korea’s labor shortages by recruiting foreign workers for low-paid jobs that locals avoid. However, workers face exploitative conditions. Exorbitant broker fees can consume a significant portion of their earnings, leaving them with far less than promised. Brokers often confiscate important documents such as passports and bank books, restricting workers’ freedom and control over their finances. Harsh working conditions are common, with workers enduring long hours, sometimes up to 14 hours a day, in physically demanding roles that differ significantly from their contractual agreements.
“It is like human trafficking in modern day. The brokers treated seasonal workers like slaves, because they kept their passbook, passport and even their foreign resident’s card and salary.” – Ko Gibok, Joint Committee with Migrants in Korea (JCMK)
The lack of central oversight allows brokers to operate with impunity, violating contracts without accountability. Additionally, unexpected deductions for housing, food, and ‘handling’ fees further reduce their take-home pay, adding to their financial burden and frustration.