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The number of international students coming to Korea has been growing by the year, but
they say... there are legal obstacles in the way that make it difficult for them to find
jobs after graduation... forcing many potential and valuable human talent to exit Korea.
Well, it looks like things are about to change, as the Korean government will kick off a new
visa system next month that will offer better and easier opportunities for international
students to get a job here. Hwang Hojun has the story.
It’s the missing link between visas for studying and working.
The government’s move to introduce a new visa system, starting next month, is intended
to relax the requirements for issuing visas to international students, specifically those
invited by the government under a scholarship program.
The Ministry of Justice said the new work-study visa will allow international students to
get a job in Korea as soon as they graduate from their respective schools.
“Even students, who already have been studying in Korea as part of the scholarship, will
have the opportunity to switch to this visa and take full advantage of it.” ”
Under the current system, international students face many legal difficulties getting employed
or acquiring a resident visa, which is considered by many as a waste of human resources.
“There are too many opportunities that we are actually missing because we don’t have
the proper visa to get a job even if it’s a part-time job.”
According to the Ministry of Justice, it hasn’t been the easiest for an international student
to land a job here in Korea.
Some current requirements include companies to have at least 5 Korean employees for a
foreign student to be able to apply. Also, the number of foreign staff members is not
to exceed 20% of the total of Korean staff.
Under the new work-study visa, students like Ochica will be able to forgo of requirements
such as the ones mentioned above… and they will also receive an extension of 3 years
instead of 2, every time they extend their visa.
"I would be the first to apply, for sure."
The new system will also give international students the opportunity to stay longer in
the country and contribute to the Korean economy while working in a local company.
In addition, the government will create a D-2-8 visa, or a short-term student visa to
minimize discomforts for students who are planning to take classes that only last a
semester or two.
The government hopes the new visa program will not only attract more talented international
students but also offer a sound platform to improve their overall education as well.
Hwang Hojun, Arirang News.