- Exploring cooperation for improving the EPS and promoting protection and coexistence of foreign workers
The Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL, Minister Young-hoon Kim) and the Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRD Korea, President Woo-young Lee) will host the 2025 Employment Permit System (EPS) Conference on August 6 at the Shilla Seoul.
The conference will discuss improvements to the EPS, recognize exemplary cases of foreign workers and employers, and explore cooperation measures to enhance worker protection and sustainable coexistence. Approximately 100 participants will attend, including ambassadors from 17 EPS sending countries*, award recipients, and representatives from the MOEL and HRD Korea.
* The Philippines, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Cambodia, China, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Laos, Tajikistan
At the event, the Minister of Employment and Labor Award was presented to Mr. Akbar (Uzbekistan worker) and the representative of Songwoon Industry Co., Ltd., both selected as the best cases. In addition, 20 individuals, including Ms. Huang Chaoying (China worker) and the representative of Lee Hyuk-jae Farm, received the President of HRD Korea Award for their outstanding or commendable contributions.
Mr. Akbar has diligently studied Korean after work and on weekends, actively participated in technical training, and mastered his duties. He is now recognized for his competence and sincerity, serving as a field supervisor while also working as a safety and health education instructor for foreign workers in the local community.
Songwoon Industry Co., Ltd. has provided performance-based rewards and diverse support for foreign workers, while organizing cultural events that bring together Korean and foreign employees and encouraging foreign workers’ participation in community activities. These efforts have helped foreign workers integrate as valued members of the local community.
Following the awards ceremony, a roundtable with ambassadors will be held to discuss key issues and perspectives regarding the EPS. The session will also explore avenues for cooperation, improvement, and the establishment of joint systems for preventing industrial accidents among foreign workers.
HRD Korea President Woo-young Lee stated, “I sincerely thank the workers and companies that have set exemplary standards in the workplace. We will continue to operate the EPS with dedication so that foreign workers and businesses can grow together through mutual coexistence.”
Minister of Employment and Labor Young-hoon Kim emphasized, “The most important principle is to ensure that foreign workers’ rights are fully protected and that they can work in an environment of equality, free from discrimination. The government will adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward human rights violations, strengthen safety management and preventive systems for safe workplaces, and provide comprehensive support such as housing improvements and grievance counseling.”
He further stressed, “We will establish an integrated support system for all foreign workers, covering working conditions, industrial safety, and employment services, so that truly inclusive and cohesive workplaces can be realized.”