Migrant workers who are stranded in Korea due to a lack of flights amid the coronavirus pandemic have been allowed to extend their employment period by one year.
Following the National Assembly’s passage of a revised Foreigner Employment Act, Friday, foreign workers facing difficulties returning to their home countries due to travel restrictions in case of natural disasters or infectious diseases, can have their employment period extended by an additional year.
The bill, proposed by Rep. Lee Jong-bae of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), was aimed at introducing supportive measures for foreign workers and business owners struggling from labor shortages amid the prolonged global health crisis.
While non-Korean workers stranded here have been calling for job opportunities until they are able to return to their countries, local employers suffering from a shortage of workers have asked the government to address the labor issue.
Also, the revised bill has added the mining industry into the category of industries allowed to hire foreign workers, in addition to the current manufacturing, construction, services, agriculture and fisheries industries.
The bill is expected to make migrant workers’ stays become more stable and enable businesses, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises, to effectively use foreign workers.
“The minimum wage hike and shortened working hours have led to additional demand for employees, but some industries in Korea are still suffering from labor shortages due to a decrease in the working-age population. Such employers have no choice but to rely on foreign laborers,” Lee said.
“Many foreign workers, for their part, are overstaying their visas after expiration of their employment periods due to the pandemic crisis. Those who have left Korea wishing to reenter the country are restricted from coming back due to reduced flights and travel bans,” he added.
