Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Hapkido-In]

On page 2 of the Korea Herald today I noticed a small article about E-2 visas. It mentioned that it was going to get even harder to get an E-2.

Then it went on to say that starting in March E-2 applicants would be required to submit medical records. These medical records seem to be in addition, or possibly a replacement for the current health check. There was no additional detail given about this new requirement.

Has anyone heard any details about this change?

I'm personally a little worried because it's not all that far from March and I can't seem to find any information on the topic.

[the oak llama]

I am looking for it. Do you have a link by chance?

...

[yingwenlaoshi]

Just get a medical check done before applying for the visa. What's to worry about????

Or is it for past records? I don't get it. Would you have to get them from every hospital you've visited in the world? Do they want to see if you've ever had your stomach pumped?

[the oak llama]

yeah how exactly do medical records work? Is there a big central bank of them like for your criminal record? Or is it more like each health care provider you visit has some info on you?

How would anyone know if it was complete or not?

that's so screwy and f***Ed if they would do that.


I would definately like some more info on what they plan to do and when.

[the oak llama]

I haven't been able to find anything that says that new regulations will require medical records to be submitted. Just that the health forms will be required and perhaps more regulations regarding back ground checks. Everything I've seen so far makes it seem like it will be geared toward potential criminals and so on....


http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200901/200901080010.html

[Hapkido-In]

I can't seem to find a link to the article on Korea Herald's webpage. The article was in Thursday's paper on page 2. I still have it here and I'll type out the part of concern.

"The Ministry of Justice said it plans to revise the country's visa laws to require overseas E-2 visa applicants to submit any criminal records they may have to South Korean consulates in their respective countries.

Applicants will also be required to submit health records. E-2 applicants currently are required to undergo medical screening, including testing for HIV, shortly after their arrival in South Korea."

The rest of the article just stated that the new requirements would start in March, with no in depth details to the changes.

The last paragraph is the interesting one. I'm not sure how to interpret what's being said. Does it mean that you'll need to submit your health records to get an E-2 visa? Does it mean that new applicants will have to get health checks before coming to Korea? Is it referring to the health check as medical records?

The article's writer did not leave an email for contact either.

[afsjesse]

I just called immigration and asked them to clarify what this medical check question is.

They said that the health check will remain the same. That is, when you come to Korea you must go to a Korean approved hospital for a check-up.

I also asked if it was going to be necessary to have a check-up in your home country before coming to Koea. She said no.

So take that for what it's worth. I called 1345 if anyone's curious or cares to ask for themselves.

Jesse.

[jdog2050]

[Kimchi Cha Cha]

I may be wrong but as far as I know Australia - and I'm sure most other Western countries - don't have a centralised medical record system if that's what the Korean Government's after.

The Australian Government has tried several times to get a centralised medical record system but many people and groups don't want a bar of it. I guess doctors, pharmacists, health care workers, etc. can get an idea of your medical history from prescription purchases & transaction on your Medicare card - though I'm not sure if there's even records of that.

So, in order for me to get a complete medical record from Australia, I'd need to go to the 10+ hospitals, 10+ medical centres & 10+ doctors I've been to in my lifetime - half of them are probably dead by now & burnt their records! Dumb idea Korea, dumb, dumb idea.