South Korea is setting the stage for its labour market in 2026, with the government confirming that around 191,000 foreign workers will be allowed to enter the country under non-professional employment categories next year. The decision reflects both economic necessity and demographic reality, as industries across the country continue to struggle with labour shortages.
Total Quota Summary
| Category | Total Quota |
| E-9 Workers | 80,000 |
| E-8 Seasonal Workers | 109,000 |
| Overall Total | 191,000 |
Category-Wise Foreign Worker Quota 2026
| Main Category | Visa Type | Sub-Category / Sector | Quota | Purpose & Explanation |
| Non-Professional Workers | E-9 (Employment Permit System) | Manufacturing | 50,000 | Manufacturing continues to face persistent labour shortages, particularly in small and mid-sized factories that struggle to attract local workers. |
| Non-Professional Workers | E-9 | Agriculture & Livestock | 10,000 | These workers support farming and livestock operations, especially during planting and harvesting periods. |
| Non-Professional Workers | E-9 | Fisheries | 7,000 | Coastal and offshore fisheries rely heavily on foreign labour due to declining local participation. |
| Non-Professional Workers | E-9 | Construction | 2,000 | Allocated for physically demanding site work where labour shortages remain severe. |
| Non-Professional Workers | E-9 | Service Sector | 1,000 | Limited intake focused on specific service roles facing verified workforce gaps. |
| Non-Professional Workers | E-9 | Flexible Reserve | 10,000 | A buffer quota that allows the government to respond quickly to unexpected labour demand increases across sectors. |
| Seasonal Workers | E-8 | Agriculture & Fisheries (Seasonal) | 109,000 | Designed to help rural regions manage peak-season labour needs caused by population decline and ageing communities. |
According to a decision announced on December 22, the Office for Government Policy Coordination finalised the numbers during a meeting of the Foreign Workforce Policy Committee, chaired by Yoon Chang-ryeol. The quota is designed as a ceiling, allowing the government to adjust the actual inflow depending on conditions at industrial worksites.
How the 2026 Work Permit Quota Is Structured
Under the plan, 80,000 workers will be admitted through the Employment Permit System (E-9 visa), while 109,000 seasonal workers will be brought in under the E-8 visa. Together, these figures form the backbone of Korea’s Work Permit Quota 2026, ensuring businesses can respond flexibly to labour demand.
Furthermore, the E-9 quota was calculated after analysing industry-specific supply and demand forecasts, along with on-site surveys conducted with employers and relevant ministries. Manufacturing remains the largest beneficiary, reflecting its continued dependence on overseas labour.
An additional 10,000 positions have been reserved as a flexible buffer. This pool can be utilised in the event of sudden labour shortages, providing policymakers with room to manoeuvre without revising the entire quota mid-year.
Notably, the temporary shipbuilding quota introduced in 2023 will no longer exist as a separate category. From 2026, shipbuilding labour needs will be absorbed into the broader manufacturing quota, formalising what had already been practised in recent years.
Seasonal Workers and Rural Labour Shortages
Seasonal employment will see a meaningful expansion. The government plans to admit 109,000 seasonal workers, which is 13,000 more than this year. This increase is aimed squarely at rural areas, where population decline and rapid ageing have created chronic labour shortages.
Local governments played a key role in shaping this figure, with the quota reflecting direct demand surveys from municipalities struggling to staff farms and fisheries during peak seasons.
What Happens to the Domestic Helper Pilot Program?
While there had been speculation that the pilot program for foreign domestic helpers might be expanded nationwide, the government has decided against a full rollout for now. However, existing workers will not be left in limbo. Authorities plan to stabilise their employment by extending their permitted working period to match that of E-9 visa holders, providing greater certainty for both workers and employers.
A Measured Approach to Labour Demand
Overall, Korea’s Work Permit Quota 2026 signals a cautious but pragmatic approach. The government is clearly aware that foreign labour is no longer optional for key industries, yet it is also trying to retain control by building flexibility into the system rather than opening the doors without limits.
On the other hand, for employers, the message is one of predictability. For workers abroad, it offers clarity. And for Korea, it is another step in managing the realities of an ageing society with a shrinking domestic workforce.