Migrant workers exploitation in South Korean farms highlighted by death of Cambodian woman

WhatsAppWhatsAppFacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterPinterestPinterestRedditRedditGmailGmailShareShare

 Cambodian woman worker, Nuon Sokkheng’s death in a South Korean farm in December has brought spotlight on the treatment and exploitation of poor migrant workers from Asia in South Korean farms.

The death of 31 year old woman has revived the long history of criticism of most vulnerable people by South Korea.

With two months after death of the worker, South Korean authorities have still not fulfilled any promises made of reforming conditions of the migrant workers, including providing them with health care access. After Sokkeng was found dead in a poorly heated shelter at one of the farms, Kim, an advocate of migrant workers’ rights is not welcomed at the farms in Pocheon.

Kim said, “Farm owners here are like absolute monarchs ruling over migrant workers. Some say they want to kill me.”

Currently in South Korean farms, there are approximately 20,000 Asian migrant workers legally. These workers mostly hail from Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Nepal and Indonesia. These workers have been brought under Employment Permit System to South Korea. It is difficult for these workers to leave their employers despite of being grossly abused, overworked and devoid of labor rights.

Labor rights activists and workers say migrant workers in South Korea’s Pocheon are forced to work for grueling 10-15 hours a day. They are given just two Saturdays off per month. These workers earn approximately US$1,300-US$1,600 per month, which is well below the decided legal minimum wage that is supposed to be ensured to them under their contracts. They have to rise before sunrise, bend for hours together while they work in huge plastic tunnels at each farm, planting, picking and thinning crops. They are also shipped in filthy containers crammed up or in poorly ventilated huts.

But the workers still work in hostile and inhumane conditions in hope for the better future for themselves and their families.

About admin

Admin at WorkersRights, dedicated to elevating the voices of the vulnerable, shedding light on human rights, labor issues, and the pursuit of a fair work-life balance worldwide.

admin

Admin at WorkersRights, dedicated to elevating the voices of the vulnerable, shedding light on human rights, labor issues, and the pursuit of a fair work-life balance worldwide.

Recent Posts

New Exit Rule for Expats in Kuwait: Key Details Inside

Kuwait is implementing a significant policy change: expatriate private sector employees must now secure an official exit permit from their…

June 11, 2025

Ria Launches Digital Wallet for Unbanked Migrant Workers—Know the Benefits

Ria Money Transfer has launched its Ria Wallet app which aims to assist one of the most underserved populations of…

June 11, 2025

50 Years of Australia’s Racial Discrimination Act – What Does It Really Mean Today?

The 50th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 is one of the highlight events in Australia’s human rights history.…

June 11, 2025

Google Layoffs Ahead? Buyouts Offered to Employees—Know the Details

Reports indicate that Google is preparing to conduct another round of layoffs, this time voluntarily offering exit packages (buyouts) to…

June 11, 2025

The New Career Currency: Why Top Talent Now Demands Both Big Salaries AND Work-Life Balance

The labor market in India is modernizing the expectations for any employment where paychecks were a major consideration, workers now…

June 10, 2025

ITR Filing 2025: Is Landlord’s PAN Mandatory to Claim HRA?

For Assessment Year 2025-26, the Income Tax Department has broadened its disclosure requirements for salaried taxpayers who are claiming House…

June 10, 2025