KUALA LUMPUR - The number of foreigners living in South Korea has reached a record 1.69 million, but cases of wage theft and abuse among migrant workers remain a concern.

Reports as of April show that the issue has worsened, with some cases involving violence and harsh treatment, leading to calls for reforms to the Employment Permit System.

Demand for foreign workers is rising as local workers avoid jobs that are difficult, dirty and dangerous.

Industries such as farming, fishing, construction and manufacturing are increasingly relying on foreign labour to fill workforce gaps.

This reliance has led to cases where employers take advantage of foreign workers’ vulnerable positions.

One case involved a 25 year old worker from Nepal who worked at a factory in Osan but was not paid for four months.

He lost more than 12 million won in unpaid wages and leave allowances.

The employer also borrowed money from him and failed to repay it.

During investigations, the employer reportedly used offensive language against the worker.

“I came to a faraway country to earn money, but I was in such a desperate situation that I had no money to send home and not even enough to cover my living expenses,” the worker said.

Some cases have gone beyond unpaid wages and involved physical abuse.

In one incident, a Thai worker was seriously injured after being attacked with a high-pressure air gun at a workplace in Hwaseong.

The victim required surgery following severe internal injuries.

Authorities have launched investigations, with the labour ministry and police taking action.

President Lee Jae Myung has ordered a full probe into the case.

Official data shows that the number of foreign residents rose by more than 130,000 last year.

The number of employed foreign workers also reached a record high of over one million.

The Employment Permit System has been identified as a key cause of the problem.

The system limits workers from changing jobs unless strict conditions are met.

Critics say this makes it difficult for workers to leave abusive employers.

Workers must prove serious wrongdoing before they can change workplaces.

This often forces them to stay in poor conditions.

Labor attorney Moon In-gi noted that many foreign workers do not fully understand the system, but they do know that their ability to change workplaces is restricted. 

Some employers exploit this and engage in abusive behavior.

“Even when they face unfair conditions such as unpaid wages or insufficient rest, many workers endure them because they fear future disadvantages,” he said.

The government has set up a task force to review and improve the system.

Discussions are ongoing with labour groups, employers and experts on possible reforms.

Lawmakers are also considering changes to allow greater freedom for workers to change jobs.

A proposed bill aims to remove restrictions and improve worker protection.

Experts say stronger penalties for abusive employers and better safeguards for workers are needed.