Title: Characteristics and Implications of Support Activities for Migrant Workers in Korean Civil Society Organizations

Autor: Jooyoung Kim

Name of Journal: Civil Society and NGO (시민사회와 NGO)

Abstract:

This study aims to investigate the current situation of civil society organizations that undertake support activities for migrant workers. The study will analyze the characteristics of these organizations as of 2021 and reveal the implications. There are a total of 155 civil society organizations carrying out support activities for foreign migrant workers.
The study examined the characteristics of these organizations according to the time of their foundation and main actors of operation, major activities, and domestic and international cooperation. The establishment date of the civic groups was examined to understand how they changed with the rise of intervention by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and local governments from the 1990s to the 2020s. Religious groups and their influence within the main actors of operation were also identified.
Major activities were classified as counseling and education, medical support and the provision of shelters, cultural activities and community support for each country of origin, marriage migrant women support activities, and other activities. While civil society organizations that cooperated domestically participated in solidarity meetings, an examination of international cooperation revealed the intentions of and activities that the minority civic groups are engaged in. Based on these characteristics, four implications were drawn to show the current state of civil society organizations that support migrant workers.

Keywords: Migrant Workers, Migrant Worker Support Activities, Civil Society Organizations, Korean Civil Society