“Filipino helpers face exploitation, sexual harassment in South Korea’s pilot scheme”
A pilot programme designed to bring Filipino carers to South Korea is drawing harsh criticism after reports surfaced of sexual harassment, excessive workloads and inadequate support for participants.
The programme, backed by former president Yoon Suk-yeol and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, is under fire for what critics say was a rushed and poorly monitored roll-out that left many workers vulnerable.
A forum titled “Precarious Stay, Excluded Labour Rights: Voices of Filipino Caregivers” took place at the Seoul Metropolitan Council on Thursday, where civic group representatives and researchers presented findings from a field investigation.
According to the coalition supporting migrant care workers’ rights, 21 Filipino workers were interviewed anonymously in April and May, offering a rare glimpse into the challenges they face…
The report also revealed four cases of sexual harassment. Though victims did not report directly to their agencies, the cases emerged during interviews.
The Ministry of Employment and Labour denied any verified reports…
One of the two agencies employing the workers allegedly ties short-term contracts – some as brief as three to six months – to customer satisfaction ratings…