Seoul: More than 36,000 individuals have successfully obtained the integrated overseas Korean visa (F-4) since its implementation approximately three months ago, as reported by the Ministry of Justice on Wednesday. This development follows the suspension of the visiting employment (H-2) visas in February, which were primarily issued to ethnic Koreans residing in China and six former Soviet countries. The transition has unified the dual status of residence for ethnic Koreans into the F-4 visa category.

According to Yonhap News Agency, between February 12, when the visa integration was initiated, and May 12, a total of 47,632 individuals applied to convert their status to the F-4 visa. Of these applications, 36,561 were approved, reflecting a significant uptake of the new visa option. Previously, holders of the H-2 visa were restricted to employment in basic labor sectors, such as construction and manufacturing, and could only remain in South Korea for a maximum of four years and ten months. This led to dissatisfaction among many, who felt they were subject to discriminatory practices compared to individuals from the United States and western Europe.

In contrast, the F-4 visa offers broader employment opportunities across various sectors, with the exception of simple labor and certain service jobs. Additionally, it permits holders to renew their visa every three years, facilitating continuous residence in South Korea. The Ministry of Justice has also announced plans to enhance support for overseas Koreans by increasing the number of community support centers to 37. These centers will receive government funding beginning this year to aid in stabilizing their operations.