In 2022, Korea received 58 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status), 20% more than in 2021. This figure comprises 10% labour migrants, 21% family members (including accompanying family) and 0.3% humanitarian migrants. Around 57 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 160 000 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants.
China, Viet Nam and Thailand were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2022. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Viet Nam registered the strongest increase (34 000) in flows to Korea compared to the previous year.
In 2023, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 63%, to reach around 19 000. The majority of applicants came from Russia (5 800), Kazakhstan (2 100) and China (1 300). The largest increase since 2022 concerned nationals of Russia (4 700) and the largest decrease nationals of Türkiye (‑600). Of the 13 000 decisions taken in 2023, 2% were positive.
Emigration of Korean citizens to OECD countries increased by 26% in 2022, to 43 000. Approximately 37% of this group migrated to the United States, 13% to Canada and 11% to Japan.
Admission quotas for non-professional E‑9 workers in 2024 were set at 165 000, 45 000 more than in 2023. Of these, 21 500 are allocated for re‑entry. The majority, over 95 000, are dedicated to the manufacturing sector. The remaining are distributed to: Shipbuilding (5 000), Construction (6 000), Service (13 000), Agriculture (16 000), and Fishery (10 000).
The Korean Government will expand the scope of E‑9 industries in 2024, to include restaurants, mining, and forestry. Foreign workers with E‑9 visas will now also be able to legally work at businesses with fewer than five employees. A pilot programme with the Philippines will bring 100 domestic workers under E‑9 visas.
Other policy measures aim to ease workforce shortages in certain industries. Since January 2023, Work and Visit (H‑2) visa holders have been allowed to work in all food service establishments (previously allowed only in selected establishments such as Korean restaurants). In May 2023, the Ministry of Justice also allowed those with F‑4 visas to work as kitchen assistants, servers, and fast-food workers.
Starting July 2023, the Ministry of Justice increased the number of hours D‑2 student visa holders could work from 20 hours a week to 25 (30 hours a week for those who meet the language certification requirement).
Additionally, Tajikistan has been designated as the 17th country allowed to send E‑9 workers to Korea. The Korean Government will establish an Employment Permit System centre in Tajikistan to begin hosting Tajik nationals on E‑9 visas starting in 2025.
In February 2024, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Justice jointly announced the results of their annual evaluation of universities’ and colleges’ international programmes, which aim to tackle issues related to the unlawful extended stay of foreign students and to support Korea’s target of attracting 300 000 foreign students by 2027. Based on the 2023 evaluation, the number of certified institutions and language studies programmes increased from 120 to 134 and from 75 to 90, respectively. However, 20 degree programmes and 20 language training programmes were restricted from issuing visas for one year. The government also announced a pilot scheme for parents of international students in regional areas to come to work in seasonal agriculture or fisheries for up to eight months a year in the region where their offspring are enrolled.
In September 2023, the KRW 7.18 billion (USD 5.5 million) budget for foreign worker support centres was cut, resulting in their closure. As the budget and governance were revised, nine HQ centres reopened to provide essential services to foreign workers starting from the first quarter of 2024.
The Skilled Worker Points System (E‑7‑4), which allows E‑9, E‑10, H‑2 visa holders to have their skills verified and acquire a renewable longer-term status, was expanded from September 2023, to allow foreigners with four years residence in Korea and certain language skills to be recommended by their employers to apply for the E‑7‑4 visa. Recipients must then work at least two years for that firm.
For further information: www.eps.go.kr | www.immigration.go.kr
