A landmark agreement was recently signed between Thailand and South Korea to address the issue of seasonal labor shortages in the agricultural sector. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at a hotel in Seoul, South Korea, by high-ranking representatives from both nations.
According to Thai Labor Minister Suchart Chomklin, the agreement with the South Korean local government marks a new opportunity for Thai labor, pioneering the introduction of Thai agricultural workers to South Korea’s agricultural and fisheries sectors. This initiative is part of a project administered by the South Korean Ministry of Justice to alleviate labor shortages and advance agricultural technology.
The MOU underlines that both parties will cooperate in facilitating the transfer and reception of Thai workers employed in seasonal agriculture. The aim is to bring benefits based on trust and equality, with suitable labor protection measures in place. This will in turn ensure appropriate rights and benefits for seasonal workers, while establishing safeguards and effectively preventing the trafficking and illicit employment of seasonal workers. It is also intended to address labor shortages in South Korea’s agricultural sector.
The Korean local representative expressed his gratitude to the Thai delegation for signing the MoU, and assured that the Thai workers would be looked after and provided excellent protections. Furthermore, any worker participating in the “Honest Labor” system would be permitted reentry for work in South Korea. (NNT)
