Migrant workers march to Seoul presidential office demanding rights

Hundreds of undocumented migrant workers in South Korea embarked on a "five-body prostration" march, a deeply respectful and physically demanding form of protest, to the presidential office in Seoul. The group, comprising 347 individuals without legal status, seeks guaranteed residency rights and an end to what they describe as treatment akin to criminals.

The marchers, many of whom have lived and worked in South Korea for years, expressed their frustration and desperation. They argue that despite their significant contributions to the nation's economy, particularly in sectors facing labor shortages, they are denied basic rights and live in constant fear of deportation. The "five-body prostration" involves repeatedly kneeling, bowing, and lying face down on the ground, symbolizing deep sincerity and a plea for attention and change.

Starting their journey from Ansan, a city with a significant migrant population, the protesters aimed to reach the heart of the capital to deliver a petition to the government. Their demands include the regularization of their status, allowing them to live and work legally without fear of persecution. They highlighted that many in their community work in essential but often undesirable jobs, propping up various industries.

The protest underscores the complex issue of undocumented labor in South Korea, a country facing demographic challenges and a reliance on foreign workers. While the government has policies for migrant workers, the undocumented population often falls through the cracks, facing precarious living conditions and limited access to legal protections.