Farms face shortage of migrant workers due to pandemic
The country’s farming communities have been struggling with labor shortages and cost increases brought on by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, as they are unable to hire sufficient foreign workers.
Before the coronavirus outbreak, many farmers relied on seasonal workers from abroad, mainly Southeast Asia. Migrant workers entering on a C-4 visa have been allowed up to 90 days of employment here, usually at farms during the busy season when extra help is needed. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs estimates that rural manpower demand from April to June accounts for about 40 percent of the workforce demand for the entire year.
Migrant workers have been a great help to farming villages where labor is scarce due to the aging population. The average pay of a foreign worker is reportedly about 80 percent of that of a Korean worker.
According to the Ministry of Justice, it received requests from 37 local governments this year to allow the entry of 4,406 seasonal migrant workers.
However, not a single worker has come to country since last year, mainly due to travel bans and the massive suspension of international flight operations caused by the pandemic.
Even if foreign workers enter the country, farmers who hire them have to pay 1.4 million won ($1,260) each for their quarantine at a nationally designated facility for 14 days from their date of entry.
Kim Sung-ahn who owns a sweet potato farm in Wanju, North Jeolla Province, said even if he pays more by hiring Koreans, the supply is insufficient
“The shortage of farm workers is a chronic problem, but the prolonged pandemic has worsened the situation. I’m worried that it won’t get any better soon,” Kim said.
To relieve the labor shortage, the agriculture ministry said it is planning to allow migrant workers already here, who were allowed to extend their stay by one year temporarily because their departure became difficult due to the pandemic, to work on the farms. It said it is discussing the issue with the justice and labor ministries.
Local governments have also come up with various measures to help farmers in need. Andong City, North Gyeongsang Province, opened three manpower services centers, and plans to use them to connect farmers and jobseekers. It estimates that farms there will need 8,000 workers by the end of the year.
North Chungcheong Provincial Office decided to cooperate with universities there. College students participating in rural activity programs used to go to farms to help during vacation and earn up to 2 credits. But it is to be seen how the program will be helpful this year, as students are reluctant to participate due to social distancing rules.