Ulsan set to introduce new region-specific visa in 2025

Ulsan announced Friday that it is in the process of discussing details for a new Ulsan-designed visa, which it aims to introduce in 2025.

The Ulsan Metropolitan City Hall in Nam District, Ulsan [ULSAN METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT]

Ulsan announced Friday that it is in the process of discussing details for a new Ulsan-designed visa, which it aims to introduce in 2025.

On the same day, city officials met with representatives from Ulsan universities and local companies to discuss specific details of the visa.

Ulsan expects to finalize these details within this year, paving the way for the visa's launch in 2025.

The Ministry of Justice announced in August that it will create a new region-specific visa by the end of this year, allowing each region to establish different guidelines regarding the duration of stay and the areas where visa holders can work, rather than having these guidelines set by the Ministry. This initiative aims to empower local governments to tailor visas based on their specific priorities.

Provinces such as North Chungcheong and North Gyeongsang are also in the process of designing their own visas.

During the meeting, Ulsan officials discussed plans to collaborate with regional universities to create career training programs for foreigners who obtain the new visa, as well as to establish social integration and support programs for these visa holders.

"We will do our best to create policies that welcome talented foreigners through Ulsan's region-specific visa, aiming to boost the local economy and address the population decline," said Kim No-kyung, head of the city's Planning and Coordination Office.

BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]