What is a Regional Visa?
A regional visa is a tailor-made immigration solution designed to reflect the unique characteristics of specific areas, departing from the traditional nationwide visa framework. Its purpose is to meet local economic and social needs and to harmoniously connect national immigration policies with regional traits. The Ministry of Justice plans to introduce this regional visa primarily for student visas (D-2) and specific activity visas (E-7) during this pilot program. This innovative approach aims to not only invigorate local economies but also support the stable integration of foreign residents.
Implementation and Timeline
The regional visa pilot program will run for two years, from 2025 to 2026. Local governments will be selected for participation based on evaluations by the Regional Visa Review Committee. Chosen municipalities will have the authority to recommend foreign applicants, while the Ministry of Justice will oversee the visa screening and issuance process. This is expected to strengthen collaborative models between the central government and local authorities.
Additionally, preparations for the pilot program will kick off with a call for submissions from regional governments in December 2024, with the actual pilot regions set to be confirmed in March 2025.
Summary of Key Dates
- December 2024: Call for regional submissions
- March 2025: Selection of pilot regions
- 2025-2026: Pilot program implementation
Evaluation Criteria and Benefits
To ensure the successful execution of the plan, the Ministry of Justice intends to conduct annual evaluations. Key performance indicators include:
- Participation rate in foreigner social integration policies
- Visa quota fulfillment rate
- Rate of illegal residency
- Proportion of foreigners within the local population
Municipalities that perform well in these assessments will enjoy benefits such as streamlined visa issuance processes and expanded quotas. Conversely, those that score poorly may face penalties like project suspension or quota reductions.
Regional Visa Requirements
For Student Visas (D-2)
- Current Requirements
- Financial capability requirement: (Metropolitan area) Minimum annual income of 20 million KRW / (Non-Metropolitan area) Minimum annual income of 16 million KRW
- Limited part-time employment permissions for students, typically excluding commercial and professional work; however, part-time jobs in simple labor may be allowed with prior permission.
- Submission of varying documents and visa requirements based on educational internationalization competency certification by school and country.
- New Requirements
- Must be enrolled in a formal degree program (Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate).
- Consideration for academic focus and post-graduation job opportunities.
- Local governments may tailor additional requirements related to factors outside of educational qualifications.
For Specific Activity Visas (E-7)
- Current Requirements
- Qualification criteria: Must meet at least one of the following:
a. Hold a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field related to the job being proposed.
b. Hold a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field with at least one year of experience.
c. Have at least five years of experience in a relevant area. - Exemptions: Graduates (or soon-to-be graduates) of local colleges seeking jobs in related fields may waive the one-year experience requirement.
- New Requirements
- Must align with currently operating E-7 categories (1-3).
- Local governments will design individualized criteria based on educational, experience, and income requirements, ensuring compliance with local regulations, including minimum wage and employment protection standards.
Conclusion
The regional visa pilot program represents a fresh model of immigration policy, aiming to foster a community where foreign nationals and locals can thrive together through a customized visa system. If successfully implemented, this initiative could revitalize regional economies and usher in a new chapter for national immigration policies.
Note: This article is based on information available at the time of writing and is subject to change based on governmental policies. It does not provide legal interpretations or judgments. For further assistance, you can visit our 1:1 Consultation Board.