Migrant workers receive tests at an outdoor COVID-19 testing station in Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province, on March 11, 2021, as local authorities ordered all such workers to undergo tests. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Korea Bizwire) — A recent study revealed that migrant workers in South Korea have been struggling with economic difficulties and discrimination after the spread of COVID-19.
Professor Shim Mi-seung from Chonnam National University and professor Park Ji-hyeon from Pyeongtaek University conducted extensive interviews last year with seven foreign workers who have experienced the pandemic in their workplace.
The seven migrant workers, comprised of six men and one woman, were from various foreign countries including Bangladesh, Vietnam and Russia. Their average age was 34.4 years old, and they had lived in South Korea for an average of 7.7 years.
All of the interviewees said they were facing economic difficulties as COVID-19 had reduced their various means of income. With less income, they have been struggling to keep up with the qualifications to extend or upgrade their visas.
Following the coronavirus outbreak, they felt discouraged to leave their homes after experiencing negative peer pressure from local residents. They have also experienced being rejected from hospitals because they were foreigners.
Despite having lived and paid taxes for more than five years in South Korea, they have been excluded from various government emergency funds.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
