If we can't fully open the borders [World Reading]

The Hankyoreh, a newspaper known for its critical examination of social issues, tackles the complex and often uncomfortable reality of foreign labor in South Korea. In an opinion piece titled 'If We Can't Fully Open the Borders [World Reading],' Senior Research Fellow Jang Young-wook argues that South Korea applies a double standard to its foreign workforce, treating them as less than equal citizens.

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Foreigners are not equal to domestic citizens. The boundary of 'us' is mainly drawn within family, friends, region, and ethnicity.

The article draws a stark parallel between the 'blind recruitment' policies for domestic job seekers, which prohibit inquiries into personal information unrelated to job performance, and the detailed personal data—including gender, age, and even physical attributes—that employers receive for foreign workers under the Employment Permit System. This disparity, the author contends, undermines the principle of meritocracy and perpetuates prejudice.

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Foreigners must become people who serve our interests if they want to come to our country, and they must endure some discrimination.

Furthermore, the piece meticulously details how foreign workers face significantly higher rates of industrial accidents, wage theft, and restrictions on their freedom of movement and employment compared to their Korean counterparts. The author points out that while domestic industrial accident rates have decreased over the decades, foreign workers' rates have stagnated at levels seen 30 years prior. This systemic disadvantage, coupled with the fear of deportation, forces many foreign nationals to endure exploitative conditions in silence. The Hankyoreh frames this as a failure of the nation's immigration and labor policies, which prioritize national interest over the fundamental rights of foreign laborers.

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The selectivity and rigidity of the current immigration system are the cause of many tragedies.

While acknowledging that complete open borders are not a practical solution, The Hankyoreh advocates for a more humane and equitable approach. The article suggests that by improving safety standards and labor protections in the small, high-risk businesses that heavily rely on foreign labor, South Korea can simultaneously protect its own vulnerable domestic workers and uphold the rights of those from abroad. This perspective aligns with The Hankyoreh's broader editorial stance, which consistently champions the cause of marginalized groups and calls for a more just and inclusive society. The piece challenges the notion of 'us' versus 'them,' urging a recognition of shared humanity and the need for concrete policy changes.

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It is not possible for foreigners and domestic citizens to enjoy equal rights in reality, but it is something we can do right now to guarantee the rights and safety of those in the most vulnerable positions. Let's start from here.