bassexpander
Joined: 13 Sep 2007
Location: Someplace you'd rather be.
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 Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 8:07 am Post subject: Immigration policy to get friendlier for professionals.... |
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http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/12/116_36282.html
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By Michael Ha
Staff Reporter
The government Wednesday unveiled a new policy initiative to attract and retain more foreign professionals and knowledgeable workers, including easing entry and residency requirements for qualified foreign nationals.
The foreigner-friendly policy is part of efforts to boost national competitiveness.
In a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Han Seung-soo, the Committee on Foreigner Policy said the new measure would be regarded as a long-term, comprehensive ``national strategy'' to help Korea become a place that can attract more foreign nationals with skills and capital.
The government will start easing entry requirements for qualified foreign nationals, including professional skilled workers, investors and students enrolling in local universities, according to the committee.
The government will also make it easier and even encourage top-notch professional workers to reside long-term in the country.
Specifically, immigration authorities will start granting more entry visas to foreign nationals planning to invest or open businesses in the country. They will also make it easier for major domestic corporations to recruit a diverse range of skilled professional workers from overseas if needed, according to the committee.
Plans are in the offing to allow dual citizenships to foreign nationals with demonstrated accomplishments in business, commerce and cultural fields.
In addition, KOTRA will take part in the initiative. The agency will help recruit prominent foreign scholars and academics as well as skilled professionals for small- and medium-sized companies in different regions.
The policy will be extended to workers and laborers with limited skills as well, but on a more selective basis, the commission stated.
Workers with limited skills can legally stay in the country for three years, it said.
The commission also said government agencies would embark on campaigns to protect foreign nationals' civil rights and embrace multi-cultural families.
The commission also said more F-4 or ``overseas ethnic Korean'' status will be granted to ethnic Koreans including those living in former Soviet Union states.
The government will also start expanding general information services for foreign residents, including the translation service using the telephone number ``1334.'' The service also offers free immigration and civil affairs counseling and is available in 17 different languages. Additionally, the government will expand its online civil affairs assistance program, called ``Government for Foreigners.''
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