South Korean President Lee Myung Bak?s initiative to curb abuses experienced by foreign wives of Koreans, particularly those from China, the Philippines and Vietnam, is highly commendable, especially in March, women?s month.

But these wives are not the only victims of abuse by some Koreans. Foreign workers are also experiencing maltreatment from some Korean employers. Compulsory study by Koreans of another culture, whether for inter-racial marriage or employment, is important.

Statistics show that misunderstanding between Korean employers and foreign workers is basically cultural. These foreign workers experience culture shock from misunderstandings due to difficulty with the Korean language. As South Korea welcomes the whole world, it also creates a negative image in the foreign community.

Last February the South Korean Ministry of Labor announced its plan to bring in 132,000 foreign workers to supply the workforce for small and medium-scale industries in the country. But studies show that as the number of foreign workers increases, so do work-related problems.

The foreign community is asking for regular monitoring of the working conditions of foreign workers. There are reports of their predicaments and struggles in their work conditions. Problems usually occur when a foreign worker loses a job and it takes time to find a new one, especially for female workers. Foreign workers and NGOs are requesting for shelter houses for distressed workers under the government-to-government Employment Permit System.
All foreign workers need protection from both the country of origin and South Korea as both sides benefit from foreign workers.

There must also be intensive culture study programs to educate both employers and workers, along with foreign wives and Korean husbands.

Elizer Peñaranda
elizer_penaranda05@yahoo.com.