Gapyeong-gun Signs Agreement with Cambodia to Introduce Foreign Seasonal Workers

Expectations for Alleviating Rural Labor Shortages and Supporting Stable Employment for Foreign Workers

Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province (Governor Seo Tae-won) announced on the 1st that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training of Cambodia on February 27 to attract foreign seasonal workers. Through this agreement, the county plans to select and introduce Cambodian seasonal workers to help alleviate labor shortages in rural agricultural and fishery areas.

Seo Taewon, Gapyeong County Governor (left), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Cambodian Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training on the 27th to attract foreign seasonal workers. Provided by Gapyeong County

This agreement was pursued to strengthen cooperation between the two countries and to establish an institutional foundation for the smooth introduction and stay support of foreign seasonal workers. With the signing of the agreement, Gapyeong-gun farms are expected to secure foreign labor stably when needed, and Cambodian workers will also have the opportunity to obtain legal employment.

Governor Seo Tae-won stated, “Through this agreement to attract foreign seasonal workers, cooperation between the two countries will be further strengthened, and it is expected to greatly help resolve labor shortages in the agricultural sector of Gapyeong-gun,” adding, “We will do our best to protect the rights of foreign workers and create a stable working environment.”

Following the MOU signing, the Gapyeong-gun delegation visited the Manpower Training and Overseas Employment Agency (MTOSB) under the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training of Cambodia to discuss the seasonal worker dispatch procedures and worker management plans. Through this, they sought to enhance transparency and efficiency in the dispatch process, support stable employment and stay of workers, and further solidify the cooperative system between the two organizations.

Gapyeong-gun plans to use this agreement as a stepping stone to operate the foreign seasonal worker program stably and actively support securing labor for local farms.