The Katipunan ng mga Samahan ng Migranteng Manggagawa sa Korea (KASAMMA KO) expressed solidarity with the Migrants Trade Union and condemned the South Korean government’s crackdown of undocumented migrants in the country.

Arrests and deportations of migrants have intensified since September as part of the government’s alleged preparation for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in South Korea in December.

The group said the government is merely re-using its methods during the past 2010 G20 Summit as a pretext to persecute and arrest undocumented workers.

APEC is a major gathering of leaders from 21 countries, including the US, to discuss investment for the benefit at profits of the elite, and to the detriment of ordinary citizens. APEC is a heavy burden for workers and must be opposed, according to the group.

“Despite the severe need for migrant workers in Korea, the arrest and treatment of migrants as criminals continues. We call for an immediate halt [to the crackdown] and recognition of the right to remain for undocumented migrant workers. There have already been deaths and injuries due to the violent crackdown,” KASAMMA KO chairperson Chat Dimaano said.

According to state data, around 78,000 Filipinos are in South Korea, both documented and undocumented. Most Filipino migrants in the country work as factory workers and machine operators.