Korea ups efforts to attract foreign workers

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By Lee Hyo-jin

The Korean government will step up efforts to attract more skilled foreign nationals this year by improving its visa system for job seekers who have obtained an advanced degree at a university here.

The Ministry of Justice recently introduced a set of more open and inclusive immigration policies aimed at increasing the number of foreign workers in order to maintain national growth amid the country's continuous population decline, low birthrate and aging society.

According to ministry data, there are over 1.97 million residents of foreign nationality living here as of 2021, accounting for 3.82 percent of the total population. About 170,000 international students are studying at universities across the country, among whom over half are enrolled in courses to study topics other than the Korean language.

In the first half of this year, the ministry will launch a so-called "fast-track visa system" for foreign nationals who have earned master's or Ph.D. degrees in science and information technology (IT) here, which would guarantee them legal status during their job search period.

The measure comes as the country has been facing a brain drain, with many qualified young foreign nationals choosing to leave Korea once their student visas expire.

The authorities will also introduce a new visa policy to attract foreign nationals in the entertainment and culture sectors, while expanding support for children of undocumented foreign residents who were raised here after entering the country at a young age.

In order to ensure their right to education and accept them as members of Korean society, the ministry is considering granting permanent residency to children who completed primary education here. Parents of such children may also be granted the legal status to stay in the country until the child completes their education.

The ministry said it will continue to support Afghan evacuees who have entered the country in August as "special contributors" to integrate into Korean society in terms of employment and education. Also, the support measures offered to them will be reflected in the government's policies related to refugees in the future.

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