In an unexpected development, the South Korean government has disclosed its intention to eliminate the budget for Foreign Worker Support Centers in the upcoming year, putting these vital establishments, including the central hub center in the Chungcheong region, in jeopardy. Simultaneously, this decision has raised concerns about the assistance available to migrant workers within the nation.
Crucial Role of Support Centers
As revealed on the 23rd by the Cheonan Foreign Worker Support Center, these facilities play a crucial role in educating foreign workers in South Korea about the Korean language and legal matters, facilitating their integration into everyday life, and providing aid in addressing issues like unpaid wages and workplace accidents.
Support Network Under Threat
Currently, there are nine primary support centers operating nationwide, supplemented by thirty-five smaller regional branches. The Cheonan Support Center, among them, serves as the hub for the Chungcheong region. However, the government’s recent move to entirely withdraw the budget for operating Foreign Worker Support Centers starting in 2024 has sent shockwaves through the immigrant support community.
Urgent Calls for Reversal
This substantial budget cut, perceived as inconsistent with the government’s stance, has drawn a strong reaction from those actively involved in aiding the integration of foreign laborers into South Korea. Various organizations, including the Migrant Workers’ Advocacy Group and immigrant rights groups across the country, convened for a press conference on the 22nd in front of the Seoul Blue House.
Implications of the Budget Cut
The current situation places approximately 150 employees and their families, who have been diligently aiding immigrant workers, in a precarious position. These dedicated workers have been earning wages equivalent to the minimum wage, without seniority benefits, while offering vital support to foreign laborers. This moment underscores the growing demand for expanding support structures for immigrants and enhancing collaboration with non-governmental organizations.
Budget Cut Details
The South Korean government’s decision to eliminate the budget for Foreign Worker Support Centers in next year’s budget has raised concerns about the support provided to migrant workers in the country. This move, outlined in the government’s budget proposal submitted to the National Assembly on the 14th, allocates a budget of ‘0 won’ for the centers, a sharp reduction from last year’s allocation of 6,895 million won, which was slightly increased to 7,180 million won this year.
Growing Demand Amid Expanding Workforce
Concerned groups fear that this budget cut will create a gap in support for the increasing number of migrant workers in the country, especially considering the expansion of the foreign workforce. As of July, there were approximately 400,000 people residing in South Korea under E-9 and H-2 visas, who are potential users of these support centers.
Government’s Response and Reallocation
The Ministry of Labor’s position is that the support will continue through a new model where local employment offices and the Korea Industrial Labor Corporation will directly oversee services such as counseling, while the education functions will be handled by the Korea Industrial Labor Corporation(산업인력공단). An official from the Ministry of Labor explained that the budget for these centers, which has been cut, has been reallocated to the local employment offices and the Korea Industrial Labor Corporation. However, the budget for next year is expected to be only half of this year’s 718 million won.
Efficiency Concerns
The Changwon Foreign Worker Support Center released a statement on the 11th, highlighting that consultations on Sundays were 117.7% higher than weekdays, raising questions about the efficiency of the Ministry of Labor and the Korea Industrial Labor Corporation not providing services on Sundays.
