Newsnomics AJAY ANGELINA reporter |

President Kim Han-gil, the chairman of the National Integration Committee, ordered ‘strengthening safety measures for migrant workers ‘at the policy proposal of the Special Committee on 'Coexistence with Migrant Workers' under the Unification Committee held at the Seoul Government Complex on July 23,2024.

Chairman Kim emphasized, "there should be no discrimination between Koreans and immigrants when it comes to safety issues."

"After many migrant workers were sacrificed in the fire accident occurred in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do, we are moving beyond 'outsourcing of risk' to 'immigration of risk.' “Criticism is being raised,” he said.

He then pointed out, “We need to focus on strengthening safety management at workplaces vulnerable to safety accidents where many immigrants work, and properly address the immigrant employment system that has become out of step with the times, such as the employment permit system that was established 20 years ago.”

Moreover, the chairman Kim said, "Now is a time to create a dignified society where immigrants and the 'new us' grow together." 

He asked the relevant ministries to faithfully engage in follow-up measures so that the Integration Committee's proposals can be implemented immediately on the ground." 

Moreover, the Special Committee for Coexistence of Immigrants proposed conducting special safety inspections for small businesses where immigrants mainly work and expanding safety training to all migrant workers regardless of nationality or visa type.

In particular, he requested to conduct a training in their native language so that the safety training contents can be delivered accurately and that immigrant instructors be actively utilized.

The special committee also recommended that each ministry, local government, and public institution reflect safety measures for migrant workers when establishing safety management plans.

In addition, it was proposed that the demand for migrant workers should be calculated based on demand surveys by ministries, and related statistics should be organized to establish an integrated supply and demand system for migrant workers.

In addition, the special committee proposed a plan to expand the 'fast track' by shortening the visa screening period for excellent overseas talent to meet the increasing demand for manpower, and to provide employment support services for foreign students at each university.

Regarding illegal employment of migrant workers, the government conducted a survey on the status of related brokerage and placement, and ordered improvements to the system to reduce illegal employment, such as sending notification messages in a language that workers can understand.

A month later, after the incident of lithium battery manufacturer Aricell factory in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do Experts pointed out that the following issues revealed by this disaster should be corrected: 1) poor safety management measures at high-risk workplaces, 2) mass production of illegally dispatched jobs to reduce labor costs, and 3) unstable status of migrant workers.