Korea to ease medical screening for foreign workers in food industry
 

The Korean government announced Thursday that it will ease medical examination requirements for foreign laborers set to work in food factories and eateries, helping them join the workforce more swiftly.

 
The Office for Government Policy Coordination said that foreign workers whose jobs are related to food hygiene will be able to undergo health screening tests using only their passports.

 
Under the current scheme, foreign food worker candidates must wait approximately three to four weeks for the Ministry of Justice to issue a residence card, a legal identification for foreigners staying in Korea for over 90 days.

According to the Food Sanitation Act, operators and employees in food manufacturing, storage businesses or workers handling food and food additives are required to undergo medical checkups at district health offices before beginning work in the industry. The exam screens for typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever and pulmonary tuberculosis.  

 
Additionally, foreign food worker candidates will be allowed to undergo health screening during three days of occupational training provided by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea, within 15 days of entering the country.

 
The Policy Coordination Office believes that the new measure will expedite the hiring process and help foreign laborers join the workforce more quickly in the short-handed food industry. The office also said that it could reduce the wage burden on business owners, as the Ministry of Employment and Labor considers labor to have started once workers begin vocational training.

 
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety will pilot the scheme after the Proactive Administration Committee reviews the policy in December. Legal provisions governing health requirements for food workers are expected to be amended by the first half of next year. The initiative will be jointly carried out with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Labor Ministry.  

Source : https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-11-21/national/socialAffairs/Korea-to-ease-medical-screening-for-foreign-workers-in-food-industry/2182923

Comprehension

What is the purpose of easing medical examination requirements for foreign workers?
What kind of jobs are affected by the new measure?
How long do foreign workers currently wait to get their residence card?
What health conditions are screened during the medical checkups?
How can foreign workers now undergo health screening?
What does the new measure aim to achieve in the food industry?
Which government body will pilot the new scheme?
When is the amendment to health requirements for food workers expected to be completed?

Discussion

Why do you think health screenings are required for food workers?
How might this new policy benefit foreign workers?
What challenges could arise with the new health screening process?
How important is food hygiene in restaurants and factories?
Should health screenings be simplified for all workers, not just foreign ones? Why or why not?
How could the policy reduce the burden on business owners?
Have you ever had to undergo health tests for work? Was it easy or difficult?
What do you think of the idea of starting work during vocational training?
How can governments balance worker safety and business needs?
What measures should be in place to ensure food hygiene in your community?

Vocabulary

Ease – To make something less difficult or complicated.
Laborers – People who do physical work, especially in industries.
Health screening – Tests to check for specific health conditions.
Expedite – To speed up a process.
Short-handed – Lacking enough workers or staff.
Amend – To change or modify a law or policy.
Vocational training – Job-related education or training.
Provisions – Legal requirements or arrangements.