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Video Description

Type: KIHASA Policy Featurette

Topic: Fact Check: Prejudice against Migrant Workers

Guest Speaker: Kim Ki-tae, Deputy Director, Social Security Policy Research Department, KIHASA

Transcript

Narration:

Why are migrant workers denied access to Korea’s social security benefits and services?

Kim:

If you ask Koreans, they generally seem to feel this way: “Migrant workers cost our society more than they benefit it,” or “they are a burden on our national health insurance system or unemployment benefits.” However, the facts tell a somewhat different story.

Most migrant workers are of prime working age, so they hardly impose any burden on Korea’s health insurance system. Moreover, as their job mobility is restricted, the likelihood of them becoming unemployed and thus needing to search for a new job is relatively low. So, it’s difficult to argue that they are a burden on Korea’s social security system.

These migrants are already contributing to Korean society through their productive labor. Therefore, I believe that they should be able to enjoy social rights and receive social security benefits.