Foreign Worker Victim of Forklift Abuse Begins Search for New Job

A foreign worker from Sri Lanka, Mr. A (31), who was subjected to collective harassment while tied to a forklift at a brick factory in Naju, Jeollanam-do, has begun his journey to find a new job.

With the active support of Jeollanam-do, Mr. A will embark on a job-seeking project starting from the 28th.

Jeollanam-do reported on the 27th that Governor Kim Young-rok said on his Facebook on the 26th, "Yesterday, I met with the victimized foreign worker to offer comfort and assured him that I would assist in finding employment." He further stated, "Fortunately, there is a willingness to hire at a company with a good working environment, and I will visit on Monday (the 28th) to make a final decision on employment."

Governor Kim also added, "It will be possible to leave work early, allowing for the opportunity to take Korean language or technical courses."

However, employment will not be confirmed immediately on the 28th. Mr. A’s workplace change procedures are underway, and it is necessary to verify whether the relevant company is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

The legal authority to 'arrange' job changes for migrant workers lies with the Ministry of Employment and Labor, which means that Jeollanam-do cannot directly perform such 'arrangements.'

Active Support and Workplace Change Procedures of Jeollanam-do

In this regard, a Jeollanam-do official explained, "We are planning to continuously recommend several new jobs to the Labor Department in a referral format."

Jeollanam-do plans to visit the company mentioned by Governor Kim on the 28th to assess employment possibilities and check Mr. A’s desire to change jobs.

Mr. A submitted a 'workplace change application' to the Ministry of Labor on the 23rd. If the application is approved through review, he will be able to move to a new job. However, under current law, he can only change to workplaces governed by the employment permit system (E-9) that are managed by the Ministry of Labor.

Mr. A entered South Korea in December last year through the employment permit system and began working at the aforementioned brick factory on the 26th of the same month, having secured a three-year stay qualification.

Jeollanam-do has stated that the possibility of Mr. A, a victim of workplace bullying, being deported back to his home country is low.

Under current law, Mr. A could be subject to forced deportation according to the immigration control act if he does not find re-employment within three months after resigning. However, a Jeollanam-do official emphasized, "We are making every effort for Mr. A’s re-employment," adding, "Three months is enough time, so there will be no risk of deportation."

This incident sparked public outrage when a 58-second video was released showing Mr. A being lifted by a forklift while tied to a pile of bricks, enduring ridicule from Korean colleagues at the brick factory on February 26.

President Lee Jae-myung, upon seeing the video, stated, "We will strictly punish the barbaric human rights violations against social minorities."

Image source: News1, Jeonnam Migrant Labor Rights Network, reference material for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank