South Korea set to extend permit for foreign workers stay up to 10 years

With the expansion, logistics firms will be allowed to hire migrant workers for loading and unloading parcels. [Photo by Lee Chung-woo]

The South Korean government will allow foreign workers to extend their stay for 10 years as part of the country’s first revision in the overseas employment program in 19 years to ease labor shortage problem.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on Thursday that its foreign workforce policy committee decided on the reform plan, which will allow migrant workers to stay for 10 years when they meet requirements for occupational and language proficiencies.

Under the current employment permit system, the maximum stay permit for migrant workers with E-9 non-professional visas is four years and 10 months. Those who wish to work further are required to leave the country and reapply for a work permit, making it difficult for domestic employers to retain high-skilled foreigners.

The large-scale revision is expected to help domestic employers with labor shortages in the manufacturing, agriculture and construction sectors. The labor ministry will expand the scope of industries for hiring foreigners. With the expansion, logistics firms will be allowed to hire migrant workers for loading and unloading parcels. It also plans to allow foreigners staying for studies to work temporary jobs on E-9 visas and enhance job training through cooperation with industrial associations.