South Korean police have announced a 100-day special operation to tackle abuses against migrant workers, the Korean National Police Agency said.
All 18 regional police agencies in the country have formed dedicated units that will operate until 25 November to investigate cases of violence, assault, confinement, coercion, humiliation, sexual abuse, and labor exploitation targeting foreign workers.
The crackdown follows nationwide outrage over a video showing a Sri Lankan worker being strapped to a forklift and lifted off the ground. The incident occurred in February at a brick factory in Naju, South Jeolla Province. The 31-year-old Sri Lankan, who had been working at the factory for only three months, was allegedly harassed by a Korean forklift driver in his 50s after making mistakes on the job. The worker endured the mistreatment for about five minutes and later reported suffering stress and mental anguish as a result.
Police units will now identify cases by analyzing 112 emergency calls and collecting information from foreign worker support centres run by NGOs and multicultural organisations. Investigations will be launched where necessary. Authorities will also set up a hotline in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment and Labor to conduct joint on-site inspections and notify the ministry promptly of cases under its jurisdiction, including unpaid wages.
On Sunday, Savitri Panabokke, Sri Lanka’s ambassador to South Korea, visited Naju, calling for stronger protection of migrant workers’ rights and measures to prevent human rights abuses.
“Although it is regrettable that such an incident occurred, the city has shown strong support and concern. The embassy will also work to prevent recurrence through labour education programs for our nationals,” she said.
