They are the employers' favorites—diligent, conscientious, obedient, and disciplined. "They never refuse overtime." "The toughest, most exhausting jobs are given to them." "They have great skills, learn quickly, and rarely make mistakes.”

But the price of such praise is not small. North Korean migrant workers endure 12 to 15 hours of grueling work each day, earning a salary far below that of others. In Sarawak, they bravely enter dangerous mining areas where others fear to tread; in Vladivostok and Poland, they shoulder heavy labor, navigating shaky scaffolds and hazardous logging zones, yet few have proper safety gear. In China, their wages are lower than those of other migrant workers, and they have no insurance, yet they never complain.

Even after being carefully selected by the state, North Korean migrant workers are still segregated from others once abroad. They live in strictly guarded dormitories, eat in designated areas, and do not engage in conversation. Seventy to ninety percent of their wages are remitted to the government. Though little remains, it is still an improvement compared to their monthly salary of $30-$50 USD back home, making overseas work a path to better living conditions.

Under international sanctions, migrant workers generate foreign currency for the North Korean government and help alleviate its financial strain. Despite the UN's attempts to cut off this funding source by prohibiting member countries from employing them, the strong ties between China, Russia, and North Korea, as well as labor demand, have allowed these workers to continue using their sweat to nourish foreign lands and their homeland’s economy.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we ask You to watch over North Korean migrant workers around the world. Though they remain silent and unseen, You will not overlook them. As Psalm 140 says, “…the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” (NIV) We pray You will raise up voices to advocate for them, improving the system of dispatch and management. May the North Korean government and the countries receiving these workers prioritize their safety and protect their rights.

We also pray that North Korean migrant workers will encounter Christian believers in foreign lands who will pray for them and share Your word, allowing them to experience Your faithfulness and care. When they are weary in body and spirit, may the Good Shepherd lead them to green pastures and grant them rest and renewal. We ask You to bridge the emotional distance between them and their families, as they are unable to be together. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.