PHL envoy, South Korean labor minister discuss OFW concerns

The plight of Filipino workers in South Korea was discussed during a meeting between Philippine Philippine Ambassador Raul S. Hernandez and South Korean Labor Minister Lee Ki-kweon earlier this month.

Among the issues tackled in the March 9 meeting held in Sejong City were the poor working conditions of workers in the entertainment and agricultural sector, the number of undocumented workers in South Korea, and the current restrictions of the Employment Permit System (EPS) program.

Other concerns included the preparation of Filipino workers for cultural differences through regular post-arrival orientations and workplace adaptation training.

“In the same manner, Korean employers should also be directed to attend orientations aimed at fostering better understanding of the culture of their foreign workers,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez thanked the South Korean government for giving more than 20,000 Filipinos "the opportunity to contribute to the development of the country" through employment.

According to a statement by the Department of Foreign Affairs, 45.41 percent of 52,000 Filipinos in South Korea are under the EPS, while those with an irregular status comprise a quarter of the population. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News

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