South Korea is stepping up Korean language screening for migrant workers under its Employment Permit System. The country plans to emphasize speaking skills to reduce worksite mishaps linked to poor communication. The Human Resources Development Service of Korea announced changes to the interview and skill tests for E-9 visa workers. These changes come after almost half of employers reported dissatisfaction with workers' Korean, especially in understanding instructions (48.9%) and safety rules (37.6%). Foreign workers, though just 3.4% of the workforce, accounted for over 11% of fatal work accidents in early 2024, a rising trend that worries officials. Lim Seung-mook, head of the agency’s international workforce division, said, "We expect that the latest improvements to the selection and evaluation process will lead to stronger Korean proficiency and greater safety awareness among foreign workers." The new system will increase the weight of interviews, add more questions on job-specific vocabulary, and introduce detailed safety questions. Passing scores will rise across all industries to ensure better language skills. These rules start in this year's evaluations and apply to 17 partner countries sending workers to South Korea. Additionally, South Korea plans to upgrade Korean language textbooks and create new conversation guides focused on safety and the actual work environment. This move aims to keep foreign workers safe and well-prepared at Korean workplaces.