Success Story of Regional Specialized Visa Program in Gyeongsangbuk-do
The Regional Specialized Visa Program, implemented to address South Korea’s declining population, has been showing positive results. Particularly in Gyeongsangbuk-do, this program has helped foreign talents settle down and revitalize the local economy. This article looks at the program’s overview and the success story in Gyeongsangbuk-do.
Overview of the Regional Specialized Visa Program
The Regional Specialized Visa is a residency status granted to foreign nationals who meet the requirement of living and working in designated population-declining areas for a certain period. The Korean government introduced this program to counteract population decline and stimulate the local economy.
This visa targets foreigners, overseas Koreans, and their accompanying family members, allowing them to settle in the specified regions, contributing to increasing the local population and boosting economic activity.
Main Conditions:
- Residence Requirement: Applicants must reside in designated population-declining areas for a minimum of 5 years, with the first 2 years in the specified region.
- Employment and Startup Requirement: Foreign workers must engage in designated industries in the area, and entrepreneurs are required to make a certain level of investment.
- Violation of Visa Terms: If visa conditions are breached, the visa may be revoked according to the Immigration Control Act.
Success in Gyeongsangbuk-do
Gyeongsangbuk-do’s regional specialized visa program, launched last year, has been producing impressive outcomes. The initiative has attracted talented foreigners who meet academic and income requirements, expanding the resident population and creating a positive feedback loop of economic stimulation and increased migration.
According to Gyeongbuk Province, around 250 foreign workers successfully found jobs and settled in population-declining cities within the region between April and this month. These foreign workers hold at least an associate’s degree from a domestic university, earn over 30 million KRW annually, and meet the TOPIK Level 3 (Korean Language Proficiency) requirement set by the Ministry of Justice. Furthermore, the visa allows spouses who are eligible for employment to join, increasing the number of foreign residents in the province.
The program initially launched in five cities, including Yeongju, Yeongcheon, and Uiseong, and has now expanded to cover 15 local governments, including Andong, Sangju, and Mungyeong.
Gyeongbuk Province continues to support foreign residents through initiatives such as job fairs for international students and the ‘K-Dream Work Net,’ an online platform that provides real-time job matching services.
This program is becoming an essential solution to counteract regional population decline while revitalizing local economies.