Seoul: South Korea is set to broaden the range of "top-tier visas" for high-tech foreign talent and introduce a new visa program tailored for foreign technicians. This move, announced by the Ministry of Justice, aims to tackle the nation's low birth rate and aging population issues.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Minister of Justice Jung Sung-ho held a press briefing to outline the new visa measures, which are part of the country's strategic immigration policy for the 2030s. Currently, top-tier visas are issued to personnel from companies in eight advanced industries, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and robotics. However, the ministry plans to extend these visas to include professors and researchers in the science and technology sectors.

Additionally, the ministry announced the creation of the "K-Core visa," designed to help domestic technical colleges systematically develop foreign talent with intermediate technical skills. This initiative aims to address labor shortages in the local manufacturing sector.

The government will also provide foreigners with information on employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in regions experiencing depopulation. A regional immigration package program will be established, offering comprehensive support such as social integration education and child care.

To further assist regional small businesses, a pilot program will be initiated to facilitate the hiring of foreigners. Moreover, a new visa program for skilled agricultural and fishery workers will be introduced to promote their long-term employment in these fields.