By Koh Hyunjeong

The Ministry of Employment and Labor on Oct. 1 announced its gradual raising of mandatory employment rates for disabled workers by 2029 to 3.5% in the private sector and 4% in the public sector, up from 3.1% and 3.8% this year, respectively.

This move is expected to add over the next four years 30,000 disabled workers in the private sector and 3,000 in the public sector.

A company with 100 or more regular staff that does not meet the mandatory guidelines will be fined KRW 1,258,000 to KRW 2,09,600 for every disabled employee it fails to hire.

To support corporate compliance in this program, the scope of bonuses to be paid if a company hires more disabled workers than the minimum will be expanded. An "employment improvement incentive" will also be launched for companies with 50-99 workers.

Focused public support will also go toward improving the working conditions of such employees and supporting their employment and job training.

Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Younghoon said, "We will do our best to create a work environment where people with disabilities can fully display their skills, develop and be respected."

hjkoh@korea.kr