Korean Job Discussion Forums

[anjinsan]

Does anyone happen to know where I can find the actual rules and regulations for individuals who have been issued E-2 or E-1 visas?

I already know the application process regualtions, but I am having a tough time finding the actual rules for folks with the visa.

(Example:
-E-2 visa holders are not allowed to engage in protests against the Korean government.

-E-2 visa holders can not open a hotdog stand in Seoul.

-E-2 vias holders will be deported if they run down major thoroughfares nude.)

Thanks

[goreality]

www.hikorea.go.kr

[Skippy]

I have been thinking about starting a thread like this. Will post/edit more when I have the chance.

[Skippy]

Here is what I have gathered about what is permissible and impermissible with E-2 visas.

First, the law. Most people should understand that since we live in Korea, we are under is auspices concerning laws. Remember this not back home. The laws can range from drug usage to carrying knives to traffic laws. Number 3 of the first post would be covered by this.

Second, work permitted under are visa. E-1 and E-2 are education and work visas. Simply put E-1/2 can can teach. For E-2 English/languages. E-1 they can teach chosen field. This does not mean we can teach stuff outside of our visa, work in a bar, work for a company. or open a business. This can also include writing an editing.

Third, where we can work. E-2 are restricted on where they can work. In general E-2 can teach in a registered hagwon, public school, University or Education Center. E-1/2 are not permitted to teach in a private home, in an office, or at the local cafe with a student. This is where private teaching falls under. Even if you boss gives the go ahead, you likely do not have permission to do this. Never mind people have to be permitted and registered with immigration for each job. There are some differing circumstances but overall you can not job/place hopping.

Fifth, studying. On an E-1/2 you are not permitted per se to study at a school. So that class you registered for could get you in trouble. This one I am a little confused on. Will that evening Korean class get you in trouble? Joining the a TaeKwonDo class, will it get you deported? I suspect not, but to be one safe side would to notify immigration.

Sixth, work again and selling. I am amazed on some of the Facebook groups of the out in the open illegal work people post. I am not including private tutoring. Jobs I have seen are

Selling food from cakes to tacos
Cleaning/Maid service
Pet sitting
Computer repair
Selling items

Push comes to shove immigration might not care, but if wanted it could be used against you. Number 2 from the original post is under this area. Making money from this in general is against the E1/2 visa.

Seventh, Hobbies. Think of this, you perform at a bar playing your guitar. For this you get paid a little money. Congratulations, you just worked outside your visa. Ok, maybe you are not paid, but you can get in trouble for performing. Do you have the proper visa to do this. Besides from singing and playing music. This can gather in actors, artists, and other performers.

Eighth, politics and opinion. Protesting is one of the things I have heard about that is not permitted. So think twice in deciding to join up in that Occupy Seoul protest or go on a *beep* walk. Lump in blog posting with this.
Ya here stories of some poor waygook who got into hassles for saying the wrong thing.

There is more, but I can not think of at the moment. In general my advice is this. Anything you say or do can be used against you if a Korean takes offense or wants to make trouble. Some rule or regulation can be found to make your life difficult

[ttompatz]

Scope of activities and employment for foreigners staying in Korea

Foreigners are granted rights to any activities granted by their visa, and may stay as long as their given period of stay. They are not, however, allowed to participate in any political activities except when specifically allowed by law.
Foreigners seeking employment during their stay in Korea must have a visa that allows it, and may only work in workplaces designated by local or district Immigration Office.
If they wish to change their workplace, permission must be received from the local Immigration Office prior to the change.
Visa statuses that allow employment are as follows.
Short term employment (C-4), Professorship (E-1), Foreign Language Instructor (E-2), Research (E-3), Technology Transfer (E-4), Professional Employment (E-5), Arts & Performances (E-6), Special Occupations (E-7), Employed Trainee (E-, Non-professional Employment (E-9), Vessel Crew (E-10), Residency (F-2), Overseas Koreans (F-4), Permanent Residency (F-5), Working Holiday (H-1)
It is unlawful to hire, recommend, or arrange for hiring of foreigners who don't have appropriate visa status, and doing so is punishable offence under the Immigration Act
Therefore, one must check for the following before hiring any foreigner.
1. Valid foreigner registration card
2. Appropriate visa status - employment may be restricted depending on visa status. Consult the local Immigration Office for details.

http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/InfoDetailR_en.pt?categoryId=2&parentId=389&catSeq=&showMenuId=376

Participation in activities uncertified for current sojourn status:
http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/InfoDetailR_en.pt

.

[anjinsan]

Does anybody know if engaging in protests against sweatshop employers
in defense of DDD workers would count as "protesting" in th eyes of Immigration?

[ttompatz]