Ministry of Gender Equality and Family to Provide Prompt Support for Three 'Salt Farm Workers' in Yeonggwang, South Jeolla

Salt Farm Labor Exploitation Victims Officially Recognized as Human Trafficking Victims
Swift Assistance Provided Through Police Cooperation

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced on June 25 that it has officially recognized three workers exploited for their labor at a salt farm in Yeonggwang County, South Jeolla Province as victims of human trafficking under the “Act on the Prevention of Human Trafficking and Protection, etc. of Victims.” The ministry stated it will promptly provide assistance to these victims.

According to the ministry, the three victims are men in their 50s to 60s who, having gone through a job placement agency, worked at a salt farm operated by business owner A for periods ranging from three months to over three years. However, business owner A was found to have exploited their labor by physically assaulting them and withholding their wages after making them work.

The ministry, in cooperation with the Yeonggwang Police Station in South Jeolla Province, requested support linkage for the victims and, following a request for assistance from the police, officially recognized them as “victims of human trafficking” on June 23. In accordance with the “Guidelines for the Operation of Rescue Support Funds for Victims of Human Trafficking, etc.,” each victim will receive a monthly living allowance of 783,000 won for up to six months. They will also be eligible for additional support, including medical expenses and legal assistance, as needed.

Previously, the ministry finalized and supported victims after review by the Human Trafficking Case Review Committee. However, starting this year, in order to expedite assistance, victims whose criminal victimization is confirmed by relevant agencies such as the National Police Agency or the Ministry of Employment and Labor are now recognized and supported immediately as victims, without the need for separate review.

As a result, a total of 29 people have been recognized and provided with rescue support as victims of human trafficking or similar crimes this year, including four through the Case Review Committee (one in the first round, two in the second, and one in the third), and 25 crime victims. Since 2023, the total number of people recognized as victims of human trafficking or similar crimes has reached 86.

Minister Won Min-kyung stated, “Through active cooperation with the police, we were able to provide swift support to the victims,” adding, “We are also pursuing amendments to the ‘Human Trafficking Prevention Act’ so that the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family can be immediately linked whenever the Ministry of Justice, the National Police Agency, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, or the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries discover victims during inspection or investigation processes.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.