Seoul to step up crackdown on illegal workers

The government crackdown on illegal foreign workers will likely intensify before the foreign work-permit system takes effect next month, according to the Ministry of Labor yesterday. But just 40 days from the launch of the new foreign employment system, the number of foreign workers overstaying their visas increased from 131,000 in January to 150,000 this month, deepening worries about a successful implementation. <<< more


Preparation for the Employment Permit System in full swing one month before implementation (LABOR TODAY 180)

The Employment Permit System (EPS) will be implemented from Aug. 17th. The new system is expected to clear the way for SMEs having workforce shortage problems to depend on foreign workers as a stable source of workforce for at least three years. Employers who want to employ foreign workers in the coming Aug. must go through application procedures within July at their competent Employment Stability Centers (ESCs) under auspices of the Ministry of Labor.

MOL is working on the last stage of preparations for implementation of the system after confirming scale and occupations to employ foreign workers and concluding Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippines, Mongolia, Thailand, and the Sri Lanka. Followings are the changes after the implementation and procedures to employ foreign workers. <<< more