Blue, migrant worker policy meeting... “Actively listening” to concerns about ‘spreading hate’

靑 “Protect the weak strongly according to the principle of rationality… Continuous communication with the field”

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Hwang Yoon-gi = The Blue House held a meeting with migrant worker support groups on the 3rd and listened to concerns about hatred against immigrants.

On this day, the meeting was held under the chairmanship of Jeon Seong-hwan, Senior Secretary to the President for Public Policy and Integration. Support groups and civil society officials, including the Migrant Workers' Equality Solidarity, Migrant Women's Human Rights Center, and Lawyers for a Democratic Society, attended.

The Blue House reported that attendees expressed concern by pointing out that hateful sentiments targeting immigrants and other minorities are spreading throughout society.

In addition, he urged government officials, including the Blue House, to clearly recognize the problem and come up with ways to improve it.

Chief Jeon said to the attendees, "The issue of migrant workers has been discussed as a major agenda at local civil society meetings," and "We will actively listen to the voices of the field and continuously communicate to prevent blind spots in the system."

Recently, President Lee Jae-myung ordered improvements in policies related to multiculturalism and migrant workers through the Cabinet meeting and social media (SNS), which sparked controversy over the fact that this is fueling discrimination and hatred.

At the Cabinet meeting on this day, President Lee maintained the same position, assuming that "those parts that need protection must be protected," but also saying, "If a small part within it becomes a target of attack because it is 'irrational,' the credibility or sustainability of the policy will be damaged."

The meeting on this day was also designed to hear the views of civil society on the recent controversy.

Groups attending the meeting condemned President Lee's remarks in front of the Blue House fountain this morning and demanded an apology.

The Blue House said, "We proposed to the participants that the government, parties, and civil society discuss ways to improve the system that deeply protects the weak in accordance with the principles of fairness and rationality," and added, "We also held a meeting on policy proposals related to guaranteeing the human and labor rights of migrant workers in November of last year."