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On March 5, the Korean government held the 30th Foreigner Policy Committee at the Seoul Government Complex. At this meeting, discussions were held on foreigner policies, including ① measures to improve the visa system for economic growth and regional coexistence, ② measures to improve social integration education that reflects the diverse needs of immigrants, and ③ measures to train and introduce foreign nursing assistants. Among the agenda items discussed at the committee that day, we looked at the contents that foreign residents might be interested in.
Youth Dream Visa established
The Korean government announced that it will establish a new ‘Youth Dream Visa (Youth’s Dream in Korea)’ that will provide opportunities for youth from friendly countries who dream of the ‘Korean Dream’ to experience Korean culture and work as corporate interns. Friendly countries here refer to UN member states that participated in the Korean War or major economic partners, and it seems likely that all major Asian countries will be included.
However, the Youth Dream Visa will be operated in cooperation with local governments and universities from the selection of candidates to training, employment, and settlement so that local governments can attract the talent they need.
Young talents who enter the country through the Youth Dream Visa will undergo training for a certain period of time to gain experience in cultural experiences, language training, and job-seeking activities. After the visa expires, they will be able to contribute to the mutual development of the two countries by ① settling in Korea through regular employment at an internship company or ② returning to their home country. Foreigners who participate in the Youth Dream Visa who want to find employment can find employment in various fields, from domestic high-tech industries to agriculture and manufacturing.
It seems that foreign youth who decide to return to their home country will also return with a positive image of Korea, which will serve as an opportunity to promote youth talent exchange. The Ministry of Justice plans to allow foreign youth to enter Korea through the Youth Dream Visa starting in the second half of this year.
Metropolitan Visa Pilot Operation
Starting in March, the government will begin operating a pilot project for a “metropolitan visa,” in which the Ministry of Justice will review and issue visas when local governments recommend foreigners, reflecting regional characteristics.
Until now, Korea's visa issuance system has been applied to the same standards nationwide, which has limited its ability to respond to regional needs and demands. However, the metropolitan visa system is one in which local governments directly participate in designing the visa system to attract foreigners to settle in the region.
This year's pilot project will be conducted for student (D-2) visas and specific activity (E-7) visas to attract excellent local government talent and meet the manpower needs of industrial sites.
From December of last year to February of this year, we went through the public offering process for metropolitan local governments, and after deliberation by the ‘Metropolitan Visa Review Committee,’ we plan to confirm the local governments and quotas for the project soon. As a result of the public offering, 10 local governments applied for student visas and 6 local governments applied for specific activity visas.
Top-tier visas and other discussions
In addition, the Korean government decided to support the world's top-level cutting-edge industry talents to settle in Korea by establishing a 'top-tier visa' in March. The target is a foreigner who has obtained a master's or doctoral degree in a field such as semiconductors, displays, secondary batteries, or robotics, has more than 8 years of experience, and has an annual earned income of more than 3 times the GNI per capita (approximately 140 million won).
As a way to improve social integration education that reflects the diverse needs of immigrants, seven plans were discussed, including a plan for immigrant mentors to visit elementary, middle, and high schools to provide individual counseling and education on adjusting to life in Korea, career paths, etc. to help students with immigrant backgrounds adapt to society. We look forward to the day when more foreign talents will be active in Korea.
Mary Eve of Papaya Story
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