SOUTH Korean shipyard unions are protesting at the government’s plan to maintain the 30% migrant worker quota, arguing it should instead reform the multi-layered subcontracting structure to increase the labour supply locally.

The request was made by the South Korean Shipbuilding Industry Solidarity Union, consisting of eight key shipyard unions, and the Shipbuilding Department of the Korean Metalworkers’ Union (KMWU) during a joint press conference.

The Ministry of Justice, which oversees visa issuance, had previously raised the E-7 (Foreign National of Special Ability) visa quota from 20% to 30% of the full-time domestic workforce in 2023 to address a labour shortage, with the temporary measure set to expire in 2024.

In the recently announced 2025 economic policy directions, Seoul said it would maintain that level.

The unions criticised the decision, claiming it was made under external pressure. They alleged that “the government is trying to retain the 30% quota because US President-elect Donald Trump requested South Korea’s help in reviving the US shipbuilding industry”.

In opposition to this policy, the unions collected 5,088 signatures from workers at the eight shipyards in December 2024, calling for the abandonment of the extended visa quota.

The participating shipyards include HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai Samho, HD Hyundai Mipo, Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, K Shipbuilding, HSG Sungdong Shipbuilding and HJ Shipbuilding & Construction.

The signatures were submitted to the Ministry of Justice.

In addition, the unions emphasised the need to address the multi-layered subcontracting structure in the shipbuilding industry.

This arrangement impacts primary shipbuilders, their suppliers and subcontracted workers, often resulting in poor working conditions for the latter.

The unions urged the government to shift focus toward promoting skilled workers by creating permanent jobs rather than relying on an increased supply of migrant workers. They stated: “For the development of the shipbuilding industry, it is necessary to secure skilled workers by providing adequate wages and stable jobs. Currently, 60% of shipyard workers are subcontracted.”

The unions also called for the creation of an organisation that guarantees worker participation to develop realistic policies reflecting the needs of shipyard employees.

A KMWU official told Lloyd’s List: “Before increasing the number of migrant shipbuilding workers, communication problems must be resolved, as foreign workers from more than 30 different countries are employed at the shipyards, and the current interpretation system is inadequate.”

“The growth of low-paid, temporary jobs cannot increase the number of full-time workers. Priority should be given to reforming the dual structure of the shipbuilding industry,” the person added.

The unions argue that the government’s current policy direction undermines long-term industry development and fails to address the labour market’s structural issues.