The updated visa policies provide more opportunities for foreign chefs. Newsis



By Ko Dong-hwan



The Korean government has lowered the bar for migrants interested in "specially designated profession" work visas to boost the nation's foreign workforce.



The Ministry of Justice announced the revised conditions on Feb. 22 for visas under the E-7 classification that authorizes work in 85 professions. The new policies become effective Mar. 1.



The latest revision eases "rigidity in Korean visa policies" that domestic startups claimed made hiring foreigners difficult. Small and medium companies have also demanded expanding the quota for migrant workers in the sectors of casting, plastic working, metal molding, welding, surface treatment and heat treatment ― the country's "root industries."



"We have thoroughly taken into account opinions and demands from those in the industries and related government bureaus like the Ministry of Employment and Labor," the justice ministry said.



The authority said the latest revision will support the domestic economy by helping local startups and small and medium enterprises hire migrants more easily and protect jobs for Koreans by preventing the companies from abusing foreigners with wages equivalent to or below the country's legal minimum of 8,350 won ($7.42) an hour.





Shrimp farming is one of the industries the Korean justice ministry's latest E-7 work visa policy revision targets to increase the national pool of migrant workers. Photo from Hankook Ilbo