South Korea's Ministry of Justice has established a new team dedicated to protecting the rights of foreign workers and preventing human rights violations, according to a ministry announcement on Monday.
The team, created within the Korea Immigration Service, will provide education and information to migrant workers, support counselling and reporting services, conduct on-site investigations into alleged abuses and offer assistance to victims.
The move comes as South Korea seeks to strengthen protections for foreign workers following recent incidents involving migrant employees.
Focus on human rights violations
According to the ministry, the new unit will introduce a rapid response system in cases involving clear human rights violations.
Officials cited recent incidents, including an air gun attack on a migrant worker and the assault of foreign workers at a textile factory in Incheon, as examples of cases that would trigger immediate intervention and enhanced victim protection measures.
The ministry said the team will work to identify abuses quickly and provide support to affected workers.
Support throughout the migration process
The government also plans to establish an integrated support system to safeguard foreign workers throughout their migration journey, from visa application procedures before arrival to residence, employment and community integration after entering South Korea.
Authorities said the initiative aims to ensure that migrant workers receive protection and support at every stage of their stay in the country.
The Ministry of Justice will coordinate with the labour ministry, local governments and foreign worker support organisations to improve working and living conditions for migrant employees.
Officials said the cooperation will also focus on helping foreign workers settle more smoothly into local communities and promoting a stable environment for those living and working in South Korea.
