Support for housing improvements, linked assistance through Gyeonggi Climate Insurance and welfare programs, and consideration of temporary accommodation when continued residence is impossible
Strict action against system abuse or illegal activities in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice
Under Governor Mi Ae Choo’s directive, Gyeonggi Province will conduct a comprehensive survey of migrants living in greenhouses, containers, or other substandard housing vulnerable to extreme heat and fire. The measure follows recent safety concerns over residents living in makeshift greenhouses amid record-breaking heat.
Governor Choo visited a residential greenhouse site in Gwangmyeong City on July 12. “No resident of Gyeonggi Province should be left without protection from disasters or safety risks,” she said. “Closely inspect living conditions for migrants vulnerable to disasters such as extreme heat. Put necessary protective measures in place without delay.”
From July 24 to August 14, Gyeonggi Province will conduct a three-week survey of all 4,420 accommodations housing migrant workers in agriculture, livestock, or fisheries across 31 cities and counties. Workers covered by the Employment Permit System and Seasonal Worker Program are included in the survey.
Inspections will focus on greenhouses, containers, prefabricated structures, or other substandard housing. Officials will check whether each residence complies with legal requirements and has essential facilities such as toilets.
Migrants found to be living in poor conditions will receive emergency relief and support to improve their living environment through Gyeonggi Climate Insurance, welfare programs, or other available assistance. Employers providing accommodation in temporary structures built without legally required procedures, such as approval for farmland conversion, will face administrative action in consultation with the relevant city or county.
Emergency protection will also be provided when housing is deemed unsafe for continued occupancy. Gyeonggi Province will work with cities and counties to arrange temporary accommodation when necessary. The province also plans to establish an integrated support system by connecting existing migrant assistance programs covering medical care, welfare services, and counseling. The system will help migrants in substandard housing achieve greater stability and settle into local communities.
Gyeonggi will continue humanitarian support, while separately working with relevant agencies to address system abuse or conduct undermining community order in accordance with the law.
Governor Mi Ae Choo stated, “Disasters such as extreme heat pose an even greater risk to residents living in poor housing conditions,” adding, “We will closely monitor conditions to help migrants live in safer environments while strengthening the safety net for people vulnerable to disasters.”
Meanwhile, joint inspections of extreme heat response measures at industrial sites and migrant worker housing have been underway across Gyeonggi Province since July 14, involving the Ministry of Employment and Labor and local governments.