Concerns grow over potential trade restrictions as gov't prioritizes foreign labor recruitment without clear regulatory framework

Amid the government's push to attract more foreign labor to offset population aging, its seasonal workforce program is facing growing scrutiny, especially after the U.S. government banned imports of salt from Korea's largest sea salt farm over forced labor allegations.

Labor exploitation, often driven by brokers who extort fees disguised as commissions, has been exacerbated by systemic flaws in the program's management, experts say…

Initially launched as a pilot program from 2015 to 2016 and implemented in full in 2017, the seasonal worker program was designed to address chronic labor shortages in rural areas, especially at harvest seasons. In 2022, the government expanded the initiative, easing visa rules to allow more short-term foreign labor.

However, cases and allegations of human trafficking and labor exploitation continue to rise under the program.

One recent case, which is currently under investigation by the Anseong Police Station in Gyeonggi Province, shows an example of abuse…

"It's highly suspicious that NongHyup Bank, commonly used by seasonal foreign workers to open wage accounts, and local governments may be turning a blind eye to these brokers’ actions," said Choi Jeong-gyu, an attorney at Wongok Law Firm representing the two workers…