Seoul: The number of foreign workers arriving in South Korea with non-professional employment visas (E-9) has decreased by 21 percent this year, as revealed by government data. This decline is reportedly influenced by the nation's sluggish economic growth.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Employment and Labor reported that the number of foreign workers entering South Korea with E-9 visas under the Employment Permit System was 28,520 as of June 10. This figure represents a 20.9 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.

The data highlighted a significant reduction in the manufacturing sector, where the number of foreign workers with E-9 visas dropped by 25.8 percent year-on-year, reaching 21,443. A ministry official noted that the weaker economic growth has led to a reduced demand for a foreign workforce.

The Bank of Korea has adjusted its economic growth forecast for South Korea to 0.8 percent for this year. This revision is attributed to declining consumption and slowing export growth, which are affected by uncertainties resulting from Washington's tariff measures.