[STATEMENT] Uphold Labor and Human Rights of Migrant Workers! Stop the Crackdown on Undocumented Migrants in South Korea!

International Migrants Alliance (IMA)

April 21, 2025

The International Migrants Alliance (IMA) strongly condemns the unjust arrest and detention of “Armand,” an undocumented Filipino migrant worker who was asserting his labor rights at the Gyeonggi Regional Office of the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

In a statement released by the Katipunan ng mga Samahang Migranteng Manggagawa sa Korea (KASAMMA-KO), Armand, not his real name, was arrested by Suwon Central Police inside the Gyeonggi Regional Office while on his second hearing demanding the Seo*Seokjae Co., Ltd. to pay his salary and separation pay. Armand has worked in the said company for ten years. The son of the company’s owner, who was present during the hearing, admitted to calling the police to arrest Armand.

During his arrest, however, not one from the Gyeonggi Regional Office allegedly lifted a finger to defend Armand, who is currently detained by the Suwon Regional Immigration Office.

The IMA sees this recent case of unjust arrest of an undocumented migrant worker inside a regional labor office as part of the ongoing crackdown by the South Korean government on undocumented migrants in the country. What makes this arrest worse is that a place like the Gyeonggi Regional Office is now an unsafe ground for any migrant worker, especially the undocumented, who only wish to assert and exercise their rights as workers.

Undocumented migrants in South Korea live in constant fear of arrest, deportation, and employer abuse. Government crackdowns worsen their exploitation while letting abusive employers escape consequences. Migrant workers often become undocumented through no fault of their own - trapped by visa systems that chain them to abusive employers, crushed under illegal recruitment debts, and failed by bureaucratic systems when jobs disappear. This must change, the government should stop punishing migrants, protect their basic rights, and finally hold exploitative businesses accountable.

All states must fully implement the UN International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (1990). Protecting the undocumented migrants should be included as mandatory in the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Countries like South Korea must stop criminalizing migrants and instead establish regularization programs that comply with international law.

We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Armand. Additionally, we call for an investigation into the Gyeonggi Labor Office and Suwon Police that enabled this injustice. Seo*Seokjae Co., Ltd. and its owner’s son must be held accountable for labor violations and alleged physical assault committed against Armand.

Finally, we urge an end to the crackdown on undocumented migrants.We insist on the defense of democratic spaces for migrants, ensuring all workers—documented or undocumented—can claim their rights without fear.

The IMA stands in solidarity with KASAMMA-KO and all migrant workers in South Korea demanding the upholding and respect of labor rights and an end to state persecution.

Stop the crackdowns! Defend migrant workers’ rights! Free Armand now!

Reference: Eni Lestari, chairperson