Migrant Worker Abused with Forklift in Naju Expected to Find New Job

Kim Youngrok, Governor of South Jeolla Province, Shares Update on Facebook
"Final Decision on Employment to Be Made During Company Visit on the 28th"

A migrant worker who left his workplace after being subjected to group bullying, including being tied to a forklift by colleagues at a brick factory in Naju, South Jeolla Province, is expected to find a new job.

A Sri Lankan national, identified as A (31), submitted an application to change his workplace at the Naju Employment Welfare Center on July 23. He entered Korea in December last year through the Employment Permit System (E-9), which allows him to stay and work legally for up to three years. However, if A fails to find new employment and begin work within 90 days, he will lose his residency status and be subject to forced deportation under the Immigration Control Act and related regulations.

A video showing a migrant worker in Naju, Jeonnam, being tied up with a pile of bricks and lifted by a forklift has sparked controversy. Jeonnam Migrant Workers Human Rights Network

On July 26, Kim Youngrok, Governor of South Jeolla Province, wrote on his Facebook page, "Yesterday, I met with the victimized worker to offer comfort and assured him that we would help him find employment. Fortunately, today I learned that a company with a good working environment is willing to hire him, so we will visit the company on Monday (the 28th) morning to make a final decision on his employment." Kim added, "It appears that early leave from work will be possible, allowing him to attend Korean language or technical classes, and the company supports such cases." He concluded, "Migrant workers are as essential to our economy as our own citizens. Let us share the warmth of Jeonnam and make respect for human rights a part of our daily lives."

Previously, on February 26, A was subjected to human rights abuse at a brick factory in Naju, South Jeolla Province, where he was tied to a pile of bricks with white plastic wrap and lifted with a forklift. When a video of the incident was released, it sparked public outrage, and President Lee Jaemyung stated, "This is an unacceptable act of violence and a clear violation of human rights against minorities and the vulnerable," vowing, "We will strictly punish such barbaric human rights violations against the socially disadvantaged."

The Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched a special inspection of the workplace, and the police are also investigating the facts of the abuse.