Korean government to promote influx of foreign workers into depopulation areas

The region-specific visas are currently restricted to 89 depopulation areas nationwide but the ministry will expand the number of eligible areas to 107 by including 18 areas in danger of depopulation.

The government will also create a region-specific skilled worker (E-7-4R) visa with a relaxed stay period and requirements, the ministry said.

The ministry said it plans to allow foreigners who stay in the country for more than two years with a non-professional employment (E-9) visa or a maritime crew (E-10) visa to convert to the E-7-4R visa if they meet the qualification requirements in areas such as skills.

Currently, foreign employees working legally in South Korea for five years or more on E-9, E-10 or work and visit (H-2) visas are allowed to change their status to the skilled worker visa for extended stay when meeting the requirements, such as in skillfulness and Korean language proficiency.

The ministry said it will also allow foreigners who stay in the depopulation areas with the E-7-4R visa for longer than three years to change their status to the region-specific foreign talent (F-2-R) visa.

In addition, the ministry plans to ease Korean language proficiency requirements and employment company restrictions for the F-2-R visa holders to help facilitate their settlement in the depopulation regions.

A ministry official said the new visa policy is expected to contribute to the influx of population into the depopulation areas and the revitalization of the local economy.

Earlier, it was reported that South Korea was set to post the first increase in the birth rate in nearly decade.