South Korea’s Ministry of Justice has announced two major immigration policy updates aimed at attracting global talent and easing labor shortages in essential industries.
The updates include the expansion of the Top-Tier Visa to include professors and researchers in science and technology, as well as an increased hiring quota for foreign skilled workers under the E-7-4 visa in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
Top-Tier Visa Expanded to Science and Technology Researchers
The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that, starting in June, the Top-Tier Visa will be expanded to cover outstanding professors and researchers in science and technology.
Previously, the visa was limited to workers in cutting-edge industries such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors. With the new expansion, universities, government-funded think tanks, and corporate research laboratories will be able to hire top international research talent more easily.
The government aims to attract 2,000 outstanding science and technology professionals by 2030. This initiative is expected to strengthen the research capabilities of universities, public research institutions, and private-sector laboratories.
Applicant Requirements
Applicants for the expanded Top-Tier Visa will be assessed based on several factors, including:
| Requirement | Description |
| Awards | Recognition in relevant scientific or technological fields |
| Research Publications | Academic papers, studies, and published research |
| Commercial Technology Achievements | Contributions to applied or commercialized technologies |
| Research Experience | Professional experience in research and development |
Candidates with strong potential may also be included in the applicant pool through a separate review process.
Visa recipients will receive priority support services to help with their arrival, settlement, and long-term integration in South Korea.
Minister of Justice Jung Sung-ho said the improvements are expected to help attract top science and technology talent from abroad and enhance the research capabilities of major institutions.
E-7-4 Visa Quota Increased
In a separate update, the Ministry of Justice announced that the quota for foreign skilled workers under the E-7-4 visa will increase in the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors.
Effective June 1, 2026, the quota will rise from 30% to 50% of the workforce in these industries. The change is intended to ease labor shortages and support small businesses in sectors that often struggle to secure enough workers.
Under the new rule, small businesses with four or fewer domestic employees will be allowed to hire up to two skilled foreign workers.
Stronger Protection for Foreign Workers
The Ministry of Justice also announced stronger protections for foreign workers. Workers who are forced to change jobs due to unfair treatment, such as unpaid wages, will have their previous work experience recognized. They will also be protected from disadvantages when changing or extending their work visas.
The Korea Immigration Service will conduct surveys of employers and foreign workers and work with related agencies, including the Ministry of Employment and Labor. By the end of the year, the service plans to announce additional measures to improve and promote the skilled workforce program.
Minister Jung Sung-ho said the policy changes are designed to support provincial economies by ensuring a stable supply of skilled workers while also protecting the human rights of foreign workers.
Key Policy Changes at a Glance
| Policy Area | Previous Rule | New Update |
| Top-Tier Visa | Limited to cutting-edge company sectors such as AI and semiconductors | Expanded to professors and researchers in science and technology |
| Talent Goal | Not specified under the previous scope | 2,000 professionals by 2030 |
| E-7-4 Visa Quota | Capped at 30% of workforce | Increased to 50% in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries |
| Small Business Hiring | More limited hiring capacity | Businesses with four or fewer domestic employees can hire up to two skilled foreign workers |
| Worker Protection | Risk of disadvantage after forced job change | Previous work recognized when job change is due to unfair treatment |
Conclusion
South Korea’s latest immigration policy updates reflect a broader effort to strengthen national competitiveness and address workforce shortages. By expanding the Top-Tier Visa and increasing the E-7-4 visa quota in key industries, the government aims to attract world-class talent, support regional economies, and improve protections for foreign workers.