The Justice Ministry of South Korea has taken a significant step towards facilitating foreign workers' entry into the country by announcing a revised visa policy. The primary objective of this policy is to streamline the process and allow foreign workers to obtain their visas through a simplified online application. 

The new policy, which came into effect on November 18th, is especially aimed at foreign workers seeking employment in South Korea's parts, materials, and equipment industries. Additionally, the revision includes more relaxed visa requirements for foreign academics intending to teach or conduct research in the country.

Easing the Impact of the Trade Row with Japan

A major driving force behind this visa policy revision is the recent trade row between South Korea and Japan. Japan imposed trade restrictions on South Korea as a response to a Seoul court's decision to order Japanese companies to compensate Korean victims of forced labor during World War II. 

These trade restrictions have significantly affected South Korea's parts, materials, and equipment industries, which have historically relied heavily on supplies from Japan. As a result, the South Korean government is taking measures to help these industries recover from the impact of the trade restrictions.

Supporting the Economy and Affected Industries

With the implementation of the new South Korea visa policy, the South Korean government aims to not only ease the entry process for foreign workers but also bolster the economy. It is expected that this move will contribute to the revival of industries affected by the trade restrictions. 

Moreover, the government has announced its commitment to invest substantially in the impacted sectors over the next three years, further supporting their recovery and growth.

Applying for the Korea Visa for Foreign Workers

Under the revised policy, foreign workers in the parts, materials, and equipment industries can now apply for an E-7 work visa through an electronic application. However, to be eligible for this online application, candidates must first receive a recommendation from the Korean Trade Ministry. 

The E-7 visa is typically valid for two years and is granted to "foreign nationals of special ability" with professional knowledge or technology relevant to a contract with a public or private institution in South Korea.

Previously, individuals had to apply for an E-7 visa at a South Korean Embassy or Consulate, which often took up to 30 days for processing. However, eligible applicants under the new policy can now complete the entire process online, significantly reducing the visa processing time to just one week.

Focus on Efficiency, Not Quantity

With approximately 21,000 foreign workers already holding an E-7 visa in South Korea, the revised policy is primarily aimed at expediting the visa application process for eligible candidates, rather than increasing the number of visas issued. This move signifies the government's commitment to attracting skilled foreign workers swiftly and efficiently.

Online South Korea Visa for Tourism

In addition to the introduction of the online visa system for foreign workers in specific industries, South Korea is also planning to launch an online tourist visa later this year. This will be the first time the country has implemented an electronic visa application for tourism purposes. 

Once this system is in place, foreign citizens eligible for the electronic tourist visa will be able to complete a simple online application in just a few minutes and receive their approved visa for tourism via email.

Check Your Visa Requirements

While the online tourist visa is yet to be launched, certain foreign citizens can already enter South Korea without a visa for tourism, with varying durations depending on their nationality. If you plan to visit South Korea for tourism purposes, you can check the visa requirements for your country at handyvisas.com.

By introducing the online visa system for foreign workers and planning for an online tourist visa, South Korea is taking significant strides towards enhancing accessibility and efficiency in its visa processing, ultimately fostering greater cultural exchange and economic growth.