Testing for Four Substances Including Methamphetamine and Cocaine
Haenam County in South Jeolla Province announced on August 6 that, starting from August 11, it will conduct drug tests for foreign seasonal workers (E-8 visa holders) directly at the public health center.
This measure aims to eliminate the inconvenience for both foreign workers and employers of having to visit designated medical institutions outside the county for drug testing. It also seeks to reduce the financial burden on farming and fishing households by fully covering the testing costs with county funds.
The drug tests will be conducted on approximately 2,000 foreign workers until the end of this year. The tests will screen for four substances: methamphetamine, cocaine, opium, and cannabis. A rapid urine test kit will be used, and the cost per person is 33,000 won. Haenam County will cover the full cost.
Testing will take place twice a week, every Monday and Thursday, and the results will be communicated through the Agriculture and Fisheries Division and the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Division. If a positive result is found, a confirmatory test will follow at a specialized medical institution.
Haenam County stated that this drug testing initiative will provide practical convenience for both foreign seasonal workers and employers, while also serving as an important preventive measure for community safety.
A county official said, "We will do our best to create a working environment where both residents and workers can feel safe."
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