Yoon calls for integration of foreign worker policy, systems in Korea

President Yoon Suk Yeol [Photo by MK DB]

President Yoon Suk Yeol has directed ministries to explore measures for integrating the scattered management of foreign workers residing in South Korea to utilize foreign manpower in a comprehensive and flexible manner that aligns with market dynamics.

The order comes as part of the government’s efforts to establish an immigration administration and address the manpower shortage in industries nationwide, as well as the fragmented policies from multiple ministries.

As the transition to a Korean-style immigration society emerges as a key challenge for the government, Maeil Business Newspaper previously initiated the Mosaic Korea campaign, which aims to facilitate the utilization of low-skilled foreign workers, attract skilled professionals and lay a unified foundation for immigration policies. The campaign is to eliminate the silo effect of different government ministries and departments and propose the creation of a centralized oversight function.

During a meeting on Monday, Yoon highlighted the chronic labor shortage in industrial sites, attributing it to structural factors such as the declining working-age population. In response, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo reported that a task force for the integrated management of foreign workers would be established within the Prime Minister’s Office at the earliest possible time, with the participation of relevant ministries responsible for foreign labor policies.

Korean industrial sites and rural areas are grappling with a severe shortage of manpower, but the country’s legal and administrative systems have been unable to properly address this issue, experts say. The number of foreign residents in South Korea exceeds 2.35 million, with about 100,000 foreigners entering the country each year. Despite this, different ministries continue to pursue separate manpower policies, leading to confusion and inefficiency.

For instance, the Ministry of Justice, which oversees foreign visas, and the Ministry of Employment and Labor, responsible for foreign manpower through the Employment Permit System, are formulating independent policies.

Previously, Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon formalized the establishment of an immigration administration, while the ministry is working to improve the border control and immigration system. The government plans to release the fourth basic plan for foreigners next month and continue to establish a dedicated organization.

The government is also undertaking efforts to revise immigration-related laws. Currently, immigration-related laws are fragmented, encompassing the Nationality Act, the Immigration Control Act, the Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans, the Framework Act on Treatment of Foreigners Residing in Korea, and the Refugee Act. Experts say as each law governs foreigners, overseas Koreans, immigrants and refugees, there are limitations to establishing a systematic immigration policy.