In recent news, reports have surfaced about the dire situation faced by North Korean workers in China. These workers, who are employed in Chinese factories and construction sites, are being exploited and their wages are being withheld by their employers. The situation has escalated to the point of riots breaking out in multiple North Korean-run clothing factories in northeast China, according to sources. This news has raised significant concerns about the well-being of tens of thousands of North Korean workers abroad and the exploitative practices they endure.
The riots in the clothing factories were triggered by the revelation that the workers’ wages had been redirected to a war preparation fund in Pyongyang, instead of being paid to them. These workers, who earn valuable foreign currency for the cash-strapped North Korean regime, have reportedly earned around $740 million for Pyongyang between 2017 and 2023. However, during the pandemic, their wages were completely withheld, leaving them financially stranded abroad. The strict Covid border closures implemented by North Korea have trapped these workers outside the country for up to seven years, exacerbating their discontent.
The testimonies of former and current North Korean workers in China shed light on the exploitative conditions they are subjected to. Even the best-performing employees receive only a fraction of their earnings, with the rest going to managers and state projects. Workers at poorly performing companies had their wages withheld altogether, facing harsh living conditions and limited freedom of movement. The level of control exerted on these workers has reportedly increased over the past four years, with chronic sleep deprivation, physical abuse, and public shaming being rampant. Additionally, some workers are coerced into participating in questionable activities, such as visiting hostess bars, to generate more money for their employers.
The plight of these workers has highlighted the severe economic struggles faced by the North Korean government. The regime heavily relies on foreign currency earned by overseas workers to alleviate the impact of international sanctions. However, the continued exploitation and mistreatment of these workers may endanger this source of income. Moreover, the tensions caused by protests and riots on Chinese soil could strain the relationship between North Korea and China, potentially leading to the cessation of these employment arrangements.
It is crucial to address the exploitation and unfair treatment faced by North Korean workers in China. The international community should increase efforts to monitor and expose these practices, applying pressure on both the North Korean and Chinese governments to protect workers’ rights. Human rights organizations, national governments, and the United Nations should collaborate to ensure the well-being and fair treatment of these vulnerable workers. By shedding light on their struggles and advocating for their rights, we can work towards ending the exploitation of North Korean workers and improving their working conditions.
