The Korea Federation of SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) on Nov. 25 said its survey of 1,225 small and medium manufacturing companies on their overall difficulties in hiring international staff found that foreign workers earned an average of KRW 3.02 million per month, including accommodation fees. (iclickart) *[Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution of the above photo is strictly prohibited under copyright laws and regulations.]

By Lee Jihae

The nation's rising dependence on foreign labor due to a worker shortage has led to an average monthly salary of KRW 3.02 million for such workers at small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including accommodation fees.

The Korea Federation of SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) on Nov. 25 said this in releasing the results of its survey on 1,225 small and medium manufacturing companies on their overall difficulties in hiring foreign labor.

Including KRW 386,000 for accommodation, the average monthly salary for foreign workers was KRW 3,024,000. Thus the survey found that 57.7% of foreign workers earned more than their domestic counterparts.

 
Foreign workers received a base salary of an average KRW 2.09 million, KRW 425,000 in overtime pay, KRW 41,000 in bonuses and KRW 82,000 in additional benefits.

The surveyed SMEs wanted to freeze the number of foreign workers but extend their stays, with 65.2% saying they hope next year's figure remains the same as this year's.

On if the maximum residence period of nine years and eight months for foreign workers was adequate, 33.1% said the figure should be extended five years or more.

Most companies (88.1%) eyeing to recruit workers from abroad on the E-7 (special ability) visa said they hoped to hire labor for long-term stays through the E-7-4 visa under the Skilled Worker Points System.

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