Rules on deducting accommodation and meal costs

An employer cannot deduct accommodation and meal costs from your wages as they please.

The basic rule

• Wages must be paid in full. Deductions need a basis in law or the worker's consent.
• Accommodation deductions must be agreed in writing in advance, set out in the employment contract or a separate agreement.
• Workplaces under the Employment Permit System (E-9 and similar) have separate standards for such deductions. Deducting beyond them is a problem.

Limits and standards are set by notice and guideline and do change. Always confirm the current rules with 1350.

What to check

1. Whether the contract has an accommodation and meals item.
2. Whether the amount actually deducted matches what was agreed — check the payslip. See payslip.
3. Whether the accommodation provided is actually worth it. Containers and greenhouses may fall below standard. See dormitory-standards.
4. Whether anything was deducted without your consent.

If something is wrong

1. Collect payslips and bank deposit records.
2. Check the employment contract and the accommodation agreement.
3. Consult 1350 (Ministry of Employment and Labour). Interpretation is available.
4. You can file a complaint with the labour office. Improper deductions can be treated as unpaid wages.

Where to go

• 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labour (with interpretation)
• Your local labour office
• 1577-0071 Foreign Workforce Support Centre
• 1345 · 1577-1366 interpretation
• Your nearest migrant workers' support centre

Questions people ask

My accommodation is a container and they still deduct for it. If it falls below the accommodation standard, the deduction itself can be challenged. Photograph it and consult 1350.

I never consented but it's deducted. Deductions without written consent can be unpaid wages. Gather payslips and deposit records and file a complaint.

They deduct even though I don't use the accommodation. A deduction for something not actually provided can be disputed. Gather evidence and ask 1350.

I'm afraid of being fired for complaining. Disadvantage for making a complaint is prohibited. Consult 1577-0071 or a migrant workers' support centre first.

Take care

Don't accept "it's just food and lodging" at face value. A deduction not in your contract, or different from the agreed amount, is unpaid wages. Photograph your payslip every month.

Related

wage-deductions · payslip · dormitory-standards · unpaid-wages · wage-claim-labor-office

Source

Ministry of Employment and Labour www.moel.go.kr / As of 2026-08