PH, South Korea ink new pact for seasonal jobs

The Philippines and South Korea have signed a new joint memorandum aimed at strengthening the protection, empowerment, and training of Filipino seasonal farm workers in Seoul.

Under the agreement, both countries will establish a whole-of-government framework to coordinate national and local efforts in implementing South Korea's Seasonal Workers Program (SWP), the Department of Agriculture (DA) said in a statement.

The memorandum also ensures fair labor practices, legal protection, and proper welfare for Filipino workers while promoting ethical recruitment and agricultural cooperation.

“This partnership ensures that our seasonal workers are protected, empowered, and equipped to contribute to both nations’ agricultural growth,” the DA said.

DA officials represented the Philippine government during the signing ceremony on November 4.

Under the new memorandum, the department will roll out agricultural training, livelihood programs, and reintegration support for returning workers.

It will also coordinate closely with local governments and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to align deployments with the country’s agricultural priorities and international standards.

The agreement calls for an integrated support system to enhance monitoring, welfare assistance, and collaboration with Korean local governments, ensuring the safety and protection of Filipino seasonal workers.

The SWP permits short-term employment of foreign agricultural workers to address chronic labor shortages during peak planting and harvesting seasons in South Korea.

The program is managed by the Korean Ministry of Justice and the Korean Immigration Service.

In January 2024, the DMW imposed a moratorium on deploying seasonal workers following complaints from Filipino participants.

The agency later announced plans to issue permanent deployment guidelines covering standards of protection, fair treatment, decent working hours and wages, access to justice, and the prohibition of exorbitant recruitment fees.

The moratorium was eventually lifted, with the first batch of 39 Filipino workers participating in the 2024 SWP departing in March 2024.—MCG, GMA Integrated News