Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Conducts One-Month Intensive Investigation into Foreign Seafarers' Wage Arrears and Assaults

[Asia Economy Reporter Jusangdon Joo] The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on the 24th that from the 25th to June 24th, a joint labor-management-government survey on the working conditions of foreign seafarers will be conducted for one month.

Since 2013, the Ministry has conducted annual surveys on the working conditions of foreign seafarers on coastal fishing vessels over 20 tons. Starting last year, the scope was expanded to include foreign seafarers on distant-water fishing vessels.

In particular, this year, due to recent cases of human rights violations involving foreign seafarers working on foreign fishing vessels, a total of two surveys (first and second half of the year) are planned to more clearly understand the working conditions of foreign seafarers working on Korean vessels as well.

The survey team is composed of the regional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Offices, seafarers' union organizations, the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives, the Korea Overseas Fisheries Association, and the Korea Seafarers Welfare and Employment Center. The survey will be conducted by the joint investigation team visiting workplaces and accommodations to conduct in-depth interviews with foreign seafarers and shipowners.

The team will focus on checking the appropriateness of foreign seafarers' labor contract signings, wage arrears, and cases of human rights violations such as assault. The effectiveness of the survey will be enhanced through foreign language interpretation and separate investigations of shipowners.

If violations of the Seafarers Act such as wage arrears or unpaid retirement benefits are confirmed through the survey, corrective actions will be taken through labor supervision, and improvement plans will be prepared through consultations with relevant agencies for system improvements identified on site.

Lee Jong-ho, Director of the Seafarer Policy Division at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, stated, "We plan to more closely understand the working conditions of foreign seafarers and continuously identify areas for improvement to create an environment where all foreign seafarers can work with peace of mind," and requested active cooperation from shipping companies and shipowners.