Minister Kim Young-hoon "There should be no discrimination against foreign workers... Strengthening international cooperation based on the Employment Permit System"

[Financial News] Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon emphasized on the 6th that "ensuring that foreign workers are guaranteed their rightful rights and can work in an equal environment without discrimination is the most important principle we must uphold." He also stated, "Harassment, violence, and other human rights violations against foreign workers should never occur under any circumstances."
 Minister Kim stated at the '2025 Employment Permit System (EPS) Conference' held at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, hosted by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Human Resources Development Service of Korea, "I hope this will be an opportunity to further solidify the global cooperation system established through the Employment Permit System and to move towards an employment permit system that respects labor."
 The Employment Permit System, introduced in 2004, is a system where the government supports the labor demand of employers for foreign workers. The government issues work visas to foreign workers after a certain level of verification. So far, the countries subject to the Employment Permit System include 17 countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and China.
 In his opening remarks, Minister Kim expressed, "Currently, we are breathing, working, and growing together with workers from 17 countries," and described foreign workers as "not guests from other countries, but neighbors and colleagues dreaming together on this land."
 He also introduced plans for the protection of foreign workers. These include △zero tolerance for human rights violations △creating a safe workplace △support for daily life.
 He stated, "We will respond firmly to human rights violations such as discrimination, wage arrears, and workplace harassment with a zero-tolerance policy," and added, "We will expand tailored education and support for foreigners to prevent accidents due to language barriers or lack of information." Additionally, he mentioned, "We will ensure no negligence in supporting daily life, such as improving living conditions and providing grievance counseling."
 Meanwhile, at the Employment Permit System Conference, excellent cases of system utilization were introduced. In the subsequent meeting, cooperation plans and improvement directions related to the Employment Permit System, as well as ways to establish a cooperation system to prevent industrial accidents involving foreign workers, will be discussed.
 Lee Woo-young, President of the Human Resources Development Service of Korea, said, "I thank the workers and companies who have created exemplary cases in the industrial field," and pledged, "We will do our best in operating the Employment Permit System so that foreign workers and companies can grow together in harmony."

jhyuk@fnnews.com Kim Jun-hyuk Reporter