Korean Job Discussion Forums

[big_fella1]

I started my job in July and duly completed a health test to get my ARC. Fast forward to Monday and I am told I must have another health test this week as this is a requirement every 2 years. Has anyone heard of this? I have spoken to both the Labour Board and the NHIC and both stated I should not be required to do this. Actually the NHIC stated I should submit a copy of my original health check which fortunately I have.

I told my Hagwon that I was refusing to comply and if I need a health test I might as well get a new job and a new E2. Their response was that I wouldn't be fired but they would fine me w100,000 if I don't comply. A lot of what are you trying to hide questions were also asked I said nothing, but I am hiding a fear of needles.

Has anyone been in this situation? Is anyone else currently experiencing this?

[plynx]

same here. maybe we work for the same company

i'd also like to know what's going on in this situation. we've heard lots of excuses like "it's part of your health plan," and my all-time favorite - "it's a company policy...it's for your own good."

[big_fella1]

Plynx I work for a fairly large company. Not however large enough to post any notices in English, Japanese, or Chinese although they employ native speakers from all these countries. If your company is the same company you can see why being fired wasn't such a hardship. They are a good Korean company but their management of foreign workers could be improved.

[gteacher]

I'm guessing this is a big chain adult hagwon. If it is they did the same thing a couple years back with all the teachers. Many of us refused to get the health check even though they treatened us with fines. In the end we told the Wonjongnim we would just leave if they fined us and nothing came of it.

If you have been here a couple years though, usually the NHIC would like you to be tested every year. I am sure that the test you went thought to get your ARC meets their expectations, so just hand that copy to you boss.

[jackson7]

This is a normal requirement to continue with NHIC, as far as I know. My uni also asked teachers that had passed 2 and 4-year marks to take a test, although it was provided by the uni (a nurse came to the school) and there was no drug test, so I really don't think there was anything dirty going on.

[plynx]

i was asked to take another test even though i just got my results (from the first test to get my ARC) less than two months ago...i understand them needing to do it every year or even twice a year...but to send me back after i jumped through the hoops a mere month and a half ago? just strange.

[aphase]

[blonde researcher]

Your employer does have the right to ask for you to have a medical exam at least once a year, and twice a year, if they have serious concerns of your health.
This is under Korean employment law and nothing to do with your visa, immigration or the ARC.

The fine they told you about is nothing to do with immigration .. There may be some hidden clause in your contract or employment manual (if you have one) that covers this fine. BUT if you do refuse to have the company medical they are asking for you may risk getting notice for dismissal.

You obviously work for a company that wants to play employment games . Maybe they are looking for a legitimate way to fire a few staff by 'finding" legitimate medical issues that they may say affect your work.

Hope it works out for you

[buster brown]

I also have a fear of needles, so I hate these "mandatory" health checks. I've taken two of them while in Korea, but I haven't given blood either time. I simply refuse to do that part of the test. I've never heard anything negative about it. Get someone to write down the Korean for "I have a phobia of needles." It's something like "JooSa GongPoJeung IssEoYo." I can't type Korean from my home computer, but I'll edit this post tomorrow from my office.

[Poemer]

This happened to me at my first school. They told me it was "required," I said "No," then they said "Ok." End of story.

I was informed by my current employer this week that some of the staff will be required to go get health checks this week, and when it comes time, I imagine the conversation will be the same as above.

[crescent]

There are 2 health check requirements.

One is for immigration, and includes a drug test, as a prerequisite for your E2 visa.
The other is for the NHIC. It is more involved than immi's requirement.

This is where is gets silly. The NHIC requires ALL members to have a health check on a regular basis. However, they only call people in at random, and not en masse.
At my company, a few have been called in for this one.... and about 40 have not.

They were threatened by the NHIC with a 100,000won fine, and the school was also.
I think the NHIC underlings who told you to submit your original health check could be correct, tough.

[justaguy]

[ChinaBoy]

or perhaps they weren't offered a contract because they wouldn't be able to teach... duh

edit - I don't understand what people have against health checks.. seems to me you'd want to be healthy

[Teelo]

[big_fella1]