South Korea to Address Migrant Workers by Name, Not Nationality

The Hankyoreh is proud to report on the Ministry of Employment and Labor's initiative to humanize migrant workers by encouraging their colleagues to call them by name. For too long, these essential members of our workforce have been referred to by their nationalities, such as 'Vietnamese' or 'Mongolian,' or worse, addressed with demeaning terms. This dehumanizing practice, coupled with workplace abuses like the recent 'forklift bullying' and 'air gun assault' incidents, highlights a critical need for a shift in societal attitudes.

Our publication has consistently advocated for the rights and dignity of migrant workers. This new program, which includes providing name tags on safety helmets and offering local cuisine options, is a welcome step towards fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment. It acknowledges that these individuals are not just laborers but colleagues and neighbors who contribute significantly to our economy and society.

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Migrant workers sweating in our industrial sites are indispensable colleagues and neighbors.

While this initiative is a positive development, it is crucial to remember that it is part of a larger effort to integrate migrant workers more fully into our society. The government's plan to consolidate policies currently split between the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Employment and Labor is a necessary move towards a more cohesive and effective approach to managing foreign labor. The Hankyoreh will continue to monitor these developments and advocate for policies that ensure the well-being and fair treatment of all workers in South Korea.

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When we accept them as colleagues and members of our community, we can create a workplace that respects people.