Reports indicate that North Korea continues to maintain a substantial workforce abroad, with estimates suggesting between 35,600 and 101,280 individuals employed across at least 17 nations as of 2025. These operations have successfully bypassed United Nations sanctions, yielding annual revenues estimated between $450 million and $800 million. China remains the primary destination, housing up to 70,000 workers engaged in sectors such as electronics, garment manufacturing, IT, and fisheries, particularly within its border regions. Meanwhile, Russia has increased its involvement, employing approximately 15,000 to 30,000 North Korean laborers, primarily in the construction industry. These findings highlight the ongoing challenges in enforcing international restrictions aimed at curbing North Korea's ability to generate foreign currency through state-sponsored labor programs.
Source : The Korea Herald
Photo : The Korea Herald
