The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) has raised concerns about South Korea’s migrant fishing labor reforms, stating that more work is needed to ensure the protection and rights of migrant workers in the country's fishing industry. South Korea has been under scrutiny for its treatment of migrant workers in the fishing sector, where reports of exploitation, abuse, and even modern slavery have surfaced. In response to international pressure and domestic advocacy, South Korea introduced reforms aimed at improving the working conditions and rights of migrant laborers in the industry. However, the EJF suggests that these reforms have not gone far enough. While acknowledging some positive steps, such as the implementation of a licensing system for migrant fishers and the establishment of a hotline for reporting abuse, the EJF highlights several areas where further improvement is necessary. One key issue is the lack of effective enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with labor standards and regulations. Despite the introduction of reforms, instances of exploitation and abuse persist, indicating a gap between policy implementation and practical enforcement on the ground. Another concern raised by the EJF is the continued use of brokers and middlemen in the recruitment process, which exposes migrant workers to exploitation and debt bondage. The organization calls for greater transparency and accountability in the recruitment process to prevent abuses and protect the rights of workers. Furthermore, the EJF emphasizes the importance of robust monitoring and inspection mechanisms to detect and address labor violations effectively. Strengthening oversight of fishing vessels and processing facilities is crucial to ensuring that migrant workers are not subjected to hazardous working conditions or forced labor. In addition to regulatory reforms, the EJF calls for enhanced support services for migrant fishers, including access to legal assistance, healthcare, and social welfare benefits. Empowering migrant workers with knowledge of their rights and avenues for recourse is essential to combating exploitation and abuse in the fishing industry. Overall, while South Korea’s efforts to reform its migrant fishing labor practices are a step in the right direction, the EJF stresses the need for sustained commitment and action to address systemic issues and ensure the dignity and well-being of all workers in the country's fishing sector. Effective implementation, enforcement, and support services are essential components of comprehensive reform efforts that uphold human rights and labor standards.