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Question

What protections do foreign workers have against discrimination?

As of · sources retrieved from official Korean authorities

You can file a discrimination complaint with the regional labor office within 6 months of the incident; the Labor Standards Act guarantees non‑discriminatory treatment for foreign workers performing the same duties as regular workers, and the case will be investigated by the Regional Labor Relations Commission or Regional Employment and Labor Office. Full details below.

The rule this rests on

[5]고용보험법 시행령Article 75

Article 75 with respect to the procedure for the payment of job-seeking benefits to a claimant for benefits payable. In such cases, the "competent employment security office having jurisdiction over the place of application" shall be construed as "competent employment security office having jurisdiction over the application of application of the deceased eligible recipient", and "eligible recipient" as "claimant for benefits payable". | Article 78 Deleted. <Jun. 30, 2015> | | Article 79 (Proce

[10]Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment ActArticle 20

Article 20 of the Criminal Act shall apply to justifiable activities which are conducted to achieve the purpose of Article 1 as collective bargaining, industrial action and other activities by trade unions: Provided , That acts of violence or destruction shall not be construed as justifiable for any ground. CHAPTER II TRADE UNION SECTIONS 1 Common Provisions | Article 5 (Establishment and Admission of Trade Union) | | (1) | Workers shall be free to organize or join in a trade union: | | (2)

  • Right to non‑discriminatory treatment

  • The Labor Standards Act prohibits unfavorable treatment of foreign workers who do the same or similar work as regular employees in wages, bonuses, performance pay, and other conditions unless there is a reasonable ground.

  • Discrimination claims must be filed within 6 months from the date the discrimination ended or the last day of continuing discrimination.

  • How to file a complaint

  • Step 1: Contact the local Employment and Labor Office or the Regional Labor Relations Commission that has jurisdiction over your workplace.

  • Step 2: Submit a written request for correction of discrimination, detailing the unfair treatment and the date(s) it occurred.

  • Step 3: The office will investigate and may issue a corrective order to the employer.

  • Step 4: If you disagree with the decision, you may appeal to the National Labor Relations Commission.

  • Support services

  • Local councils for the protection of foreign workers’ rights exist in every employment and labor office and can help mediate and provide counseling.

  • Free counseling and arbitration are available through the Counseling Center for Foreign Workers (phone 1577‑0071).

  • Additional language support and legal advice can be obtained from the Immigration Contact Center (1345) and Legal Aid (132).

  • Hotlines for quick assistance

  • 1350 – Ministry of Employment and Labor (labor office inquiries)

  • 132 – Legal Aid for foreigners

  • 1577‑0071 – Counseling Center for Foreign Workers

  • 1345 – Immigration Contact Center

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Sources fetched 2026-09-19 · Korean laws change — verify with the issuing authority before acting.

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