South Korea Government Plan to allow 130000 foreign worker Permits for 2025

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In a significant adjustment to its foreign labor policies, South Korea has announced new quotas for international workers in 2025. The Labour Ministry of South Korea will allow 1,30,000 foreign worker permits for 2025. The decision comes as the country continues to address industry-specific labor shortages while balancing economic considerations.

EPS Korea Work Permit Visa New Quota System Overview

The Ministry of Employment and Labor has revised the cap of 130,000 foreign workers under the Employment Permit System (EPS) for 2025, marking a notable decrease from this year’s 165,000. This strategic decision reflects careful consideration of current market demands and potential economic challenges ahead.

Korea Working Visa- Industry-Specific Allocations:

  • Manufacturing Sector: Leading the allocation with up to 72,000 workers, the manufacturing industry remains the largest employer of foreign labor, highlighting its crucial role in Korea’s economy and ongoing workforce needs.
  • Agricultural and Dairy Industries: A maximum of 10,000 positions have been allocated to these sectors, ensuring continued support for Korea’s essential food production and agricultural operations.
  • Maritime and Construction Sectors: The fishing industry receives 8,500 slots, while shipbuilding and construction sectors are allocated 2,500 and 2,000 positions respectively, reflecting the specialized labor needs in these areas.

Additional Workforce Flexibility in South Korea

  • Reserve Allocation: A flexible reserve of 32,000 visas can be distributed across industries based on emerging needs and specific requests, providing adaptability to changing market demands.
  • E-8 Visa Program Expansion: Complementing the E-9 system, the E-8 visa program will accommodate 75,000 workers for seasonal work up to eight months, an increase from this year’s 68,000.

EPS South Korea Work Permit- International Collaboration

The EPS program, which began in 2004, currently operates with 17 partner nations, with Tajikistan set to join the network next year. This expansion demonstrates South Korea’s commitment to diversifying its international labor partnerships while addressing domestic workforce needs.

Looking Forward

This carefully structured approach to foreign labor reflects South Korea’s balanced strategy in managing workforce needs while considering potential economic challenges. The revised quotas aim to maintain industrial productivity while ensuring sustainable labor market conditions for both domestic and foreign workers.

The policy demonstrates South Korea’s continued commitment to international workforce integration while maintaining careful oversight of labor market dynamics and economic stability.

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