Gov't uncovers 84 cases of abuse against foreign seasonal workers

foreign workers-human rights

Gov't uncovers 84 cases of abuse against foreign seasonal workers

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- The Ministry of Justice said Thursday it conducted an inspection of human rights violations against foreign seasonal workers last month and found 84 violations at 61 workplaces in eight cities and counties.

Violations of working conditions, such as unpaid wages and human rights violations, including verbal abuse, were the most frequent, with 25 cases each, the ministry said.

A lack of fire prevention facilities and the provision of container accommodations unsuitable for residential use also totaled 18 and 16 cases, respectively, it added.

Workplaces and local governments, where such violations have been confirmed, will be subject to appropriate punitive measures, and relief procedures will be taken for victims of human rights violations after further investigations.

The ministry said it will continue inspections of 3,445 other workplaces in 27 cities and counties nationwide until June 30 to check the foreign workers' overall working and living environment, including involvement of illegal brokers, wage arrears and violations of labor contracts.

The Ministry of Justice building in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul (Yonhap)