North Koreans working in China 'exploited like slaves' - BBC News

An estimated 100,000 North Koreans are posted abroad, where they earn valuable foreign currency.

4 days agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Workers at an electric cable factory in North KoreaBy Jean MackenzieSeoul correspondentLast month, reports emerged that North Koreans working in China had rioted, after finding out they would not be paid, and that their wages had instead been put towards building weapons for Pyongyang.

Instances of North Koreans protesting are virtually unheard of, as the state exercises near total control over its citizens, and public dissent can result in execution.

The reported riots, though unconfirmed, have sparked concern for the wellbeing of the tens of thousands of North Koreans working overseas, earning money for the cash-starved regime.

The BBC has spoken to a former North Korean worker in China who claimed those working in some poorly performing companies had their wages withheld.

We have also seen correspondence from someone claiming to be a current IT worker, who alleges they are being "exploited like slaves".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-68226271?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

---