Migrant worker flees abuse, then faces online threats after employer posts passport photo

A migrant seasonal worker in South Korea fled an abusive workplace, but his personal information, including a passport photo and real name, was subsequently published on Facebook, exposing him to online criticism and threats. The incident has prompted human rights organizations to file a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, seeking an investigation into potential human rights violations and human trafficking.

The worker, a 30-year-old Filipino man, came to South Korea on a seasonal worker visa (E-8) in early April to work in the fishery industry in Boryeong City. According to migrant rights groups, his Korean supervisor, who was reportedly often drunk, subjected him to verbal abuse and physical threats, including banging on his dormitory door with a knife and throwing objects.

After the worker escaped in mid-May, the interpreter responsible for managing migrant workers allegedly posted the worker's passport photo and name on Facebook. The post, which claimed the worker had fled because his work permit would not be extended, quickly spread online. The groups stated that the man is now facing unspecified threats and criticism from unknown individuals.

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There are among our countrymen those who leave their jobs on a seasonal worker visa (illegal stay). Please, let's not follow this.

Furthermore, the interpreter reportedly demanded that other seasonal workers and their families sign a "family guarantee contract." This contract allegedly stipulated that if a worker absconded from their workplace, their guarantor (usually a family member) would have to pay 50 million won (approximately $36,000) within 30 days. Rights groups argue this is a tactic to restrict workers' freedom to leave and encourage forced labor, potentially constituting evidence of human trafficking.

Human rights organizations criticized Boryeong City for not taking sufficient action, such as referring the case for investigation, after being notified of the alleged illegal activities by civic groups last month. They are urging an investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of personal information and the alleged demand for abscondment bonds, as well as calling for systemic improvements in the recruitment, placement, and management of seasonal workers. Boryeong City officials stated they had no comment on the allegations.

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We demand an investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of personal information, such as passport photos, and the alleged demand for abscondment bonds, and the punishment of those responsible.