Foreign construction workforce increases

The proportion of foreigners working on construction sites is steadily increasing, with those in their 40s forming the largest group, government data showed Tuesday. 

According to the survey released by the Construction Workers Mutual Aid Association, the number of migrants who work on construction sites has risen at a fast pace, with the proportion doubling from 7 percent in 2010 to 15.5 percent last year. 

The government agency compiled the data based on the workers’ membership in its welfare scheme, which provides benefits for those who quit their jobs at construction sites. 

Among the 54,215 foreign construction workers who newly joined the scheme last year, those in their 40s had the highest representation at 28 percent, followed by those in their 50s with 26 percent, 30s with 20.6 percent and in their 20s with 15.1 percent. 

But 20-somethings finding employment in construction is rapidly soaring, with the percentage increasing from 4.6 percent in 2010 to 15.1 percent in 2014, while those in their 50s and 60s has declined. 

From 1997 to 2014, the total number of foreign workers who have been involved in construction stood at 338,000, making up just 7.3 percent of all construction workers in the nation during the period. 

By Ock Hyun-ju (laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com)