Table of Contents
- Female foreign workers receive the same legal protection
- Prohibition of discrimination in hiring
- Equal guarantee of wages and welfare benefits
- Equality in promotion and training opportunities
- Protection provisions for pregnancy and childbirth
- Restrictions on hazardous and dangerous work
- Guarantee of reduced working hours and transfer rights
1. Female foreign workers receive the same legal protection
In South Korea, female foreign workers (including those on E-9 visas) are protected under the Labor Standards Act and the Act on Equal Employment and Support for Work-Family Reconciliation. Regardless of whether the employer is Korean or foreign, women must not be treated unfairly. The law protects them to enjoy the same rights as Korean female workers. You can find more details on the official site.
2. Prohibition of discrimination in hiring
Employers must not demand irrelevant conditions such as appearance, height, weight, or marital status when hiring female foreign workers. Violation of this can result in a fine of up to 5 million KRW.
3. Equal guarantee of wages and welfare benefits
Equal pay must be given for work of equal value, and wage discrimination based on gender is prohibited. Welfare benefits must also not vary by gender. Violators may face up to 30 million KRW in fines or imprisonment.
4. Equality in promotion and training opportunities
Employers must not discriminate based on gender in employee training, job placement, or promotion. Female foreign workers should be guaranteed equal opportunities for career development, and violations may result in fines.
5. Protection provisions for pregnancy and childbirth
Forced resignation due to marriage, pregnancy, or childbirth, or employment contracts conditional on such events, are invalid. Pregnant women are protected from overtime work and may request a 2-hour reduction in work per day during early (within 12 weeks) or late (after 32 weeks) pregnancy. Employers who refuse this may be fined.
6. Restrictions on hazardous and dangerous work
Pregnant women or those within one year after childbirth must not be engaged in health-hazardous or morally inappropriate work. Work involving substances like radiation, lead, and mercury is also prohibited.
7. Guarantee of reduced working hours and transfer rights
Pregnant workers can request to be assigned to lighter duties, and employers must comply. They are also protected from working beyond standard hours during pregnancy, as prescribed by law.
Conclusion
Female foreign workers are not just labor providers but are entitled to full protection under Korean labor law. Women holding E-9 visas should be well aware of these rights and contact relevant authorities if needed.
