SEOUL: Two Philippine domestic helpers have been deported following their unauthorized departure from a pilot program in Seoul, aimed at easing child care burdens in South Korean households. The South Korean justice ministry confirmed on Monday that the workers, who had left their assigned positions without permission, expressed no opposition to the deportation order and have already returned to the Philippines.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean justice ministry, the two Filipinas were part of a group of 100 caregivers who arrived in South Korea on August 6 for a six-month pilot project initiated by the Seoul metropolitan government. The project’s goal was to assign foreign nannies to local households to assist with child care and housework. However, after beginning their jobs on September 3, following a month of training, the two workers left their accommodation on September 15 and failed to return after the Chuseok holiday, which ended on September 18.
Investigations by the Busan immigrati
on office and local police revealed that the two had taken up illegal employment in Busan, leading to their arrest at their residences earlier this month. Following their detention, the justice ministry stated that they did not contest their deportation and wished to return to their home country. Subsequently, they were deported on Thursday and have been barred from reentering South Korea for an undisclosed period.
The Seoul city government has acknowledged the incident and announced plans to cooperate with the labor ministry to review and possibly enhance the working conditions for the remaining workers. This includes proposals to shift from a monthly to a weekly wage payment system. The other 98 Filipino workers involved in the program continue to fulfill their roles without issues.