The Risks of Absconding: The Harsh Reality for Seasonal Workers in Korea

By Majella P. Pagayon

In an interview with  Ms . Yvette Jaymalin, who works at the Seasonal Worker Office, she shared insights into the growing issue of seasonal workers absconding from their contracts and the severe consequences they face.

The Temptation to Escape

One of the main reasons seasonal workers flee their jobs is the lure of better opportunities outside. According to her, as soon as these workers arrive in Korea, they are immediately exposed to tempting offers of higher salaries and better working conditions. Some are even personally picked up by individuals promising them better-paying jobs. However, instead of improving their lives, many of them end up as TNT (an informal term for undocumented workers in Korea), leading to a downward spiral of financial and legal troubles.

The Harsh Reality of Illegal Employment

Unfortunately, many of these workers fall victim to exploitation and abuse in their new jobs. Some employers refuse to pay them properly, while others deduct excessive "introduction fees" imposed by illegal recruiters. They even have to pay fees for being picked up and transferred to their new workplaces. As a result, instead of earning more, these workers find themselves buried in debt before they can even settle into their jobs.

Cases of Abused and Unpaid Workers

She revealed that last December and last month, the majority of the cases reported to their office involved runaway seasonal workers from other regions of Korea. These workers complained about unpaid wages and accumulating debt due to the high fees they were charged just to be transported to their new jobs.

In one alarming case, a seasonal worker who had been working for only three months suffered a workplace accident. While undergoing treatment, his employer forced him to stop working and evicted him from the company-provided accommodation (kisuksa). With no job, no money, and no place to stay, he was left in a desperate situation.

Jecheon’s Positive Example

It is important to note that the cases mentioned above are specific to seasonal workers in other regions of South Korea and were brought to the Eumseong Support Center for Foreigners. Ms. Yvette Jaymalin  clarified that Jecheon does not face similar issues, as it has a strong and effective management system in place for seasonal workers, ensuring that they are properly supported and protected.

Support for Legal Workers

In response to the growing concerns of abused legal seasonal workers who don't know where to seek help, she emphasizes that these workers should reach out to the Eumseong Support Center for Foreigners. The OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration), through the efforts of the couple, Mrs. Eva and Mr. Joselito, has been providing support to these workers, especially when their brokers or handlers fail to take action. They made a significant effort by going to the Philippine Embassy to bring attention to the concerns of seasonal workers.

It’s crucial to note that only legal seasonal workers, not those who have absconded from their contracts, are eligible to receive benefits as OWWA members. The OWWA offers these workers proper support and benefits, thanks to the efforts of those who are working tirelessly for their welfare.

Seeking Help Instead of Running Away

Those seeking help should prioritize contacting Mrs. Eva and Mr. Joselito, who are highly dedicated to assisting seasonal workers. They can also reach out to  Ms. Yvette Jaymalin, Mr. Rey Apit, leader and representative for the Philippines at the Eumseong Support Center for Foreigners, and Henner Polon, another Filipino volunteer at ESCF. Henner, an E9 worker in Jecheon, sacrifices his time every day to assist and support fellow workers. His dedication to his voluntary work is truly inspiring.

According to Ms.  Yvette Jaymalin, seasonal workers who are legally employed but abused by their employers should report their concerns to the proper authorities. Thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Eva and Mr. Joselito, who took the initiative to bring these issues to the Philippine Embassy, the OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) has stepped in to provide assistance. However, it is important to note that only legal seasonal workers—not those who abscond—can receive benefits as OWWA members.

Consequences Beyond the Individual

In addition , the consequences of fleeing a seasonal work contract do not only affect the individual worker. If a worker absconds, their entire municipality back home could also be blacklisted from participating in the program. Since seasonal worker programs are established through Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between Korean local government units (LGUs) and foreign municipalities, a single violation can jeopardize future opportunities for other workers from the same region.

A Call for Awareness

The stories shared by Ms. Yvette Jaymalin serve as a crucial warning for seasonal workers who may be tempted to leave their contracts in search of seemingly better opportunities. While the promise of higher wages may sound appealing, the risks of exploitation, financial hardship, and legal consequences far outweigh the potential benefits. Instead of escaping, workers should seek legal assistance and proper channels to address their concerns to avoid falling into worse situations.