[Insight & Opinion] Population Policy Needs a Ministerial-Level Control Tower

Published 12 Jun.2023 13:38(KST)

The Overseas Koreans Office officially launched on June 5 as an external agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On the surface, its purpose is to strengthen support for the 7.5 million overseas Koreans, but it is likely connected to domestic issues such as low birth rates and population decline. Although the government organization law amendment passed by the National Assembly last May did not include it, debates over the establishment of an 'Immigration Agency (tentative name)' continue.

The effects of low birth rates over the past 20 years are appearing throughout our society, and this trend is expected to accelerate further. In particular, the shortage of labor due to the decline in the working-age population is emerging as a serious problem. This is a critical issue not only in shipbuilding and construction but also in the agricultural and fishing villages where labor shortages are severe. Above all, the shortage of manpower in essential sectors that sustain society?such as healthcare, caregiving, transportation, and sanitation?is expected to worsen.

The problem is that addressing the current labor shortage solely through measures to increase the birth rate has its limits. Even if the birth rate doubles this year, it will take at least 20 years for those newborns to enter the workforce. In other words, it will not help solve the labor shortage immediately. There are voices advocating for the active encouragement of economic and social participation by women and the elderly, but this also requires significant time and institutional improvements. Ultimately, the only alternative being discussed is the active utilization of foreign labor, and discussions about establishing an immigration agency are in the same context.

The issue is that many matters arising from population structure changes, including labor shortages, are being planned and discussed at the level of individual government ministries or committees. Regarding foreign labor and immigration issues alone, there are multiple related ministries such as the Ministry of Justice, which is the main authority, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. When considering social conflicts and social integration issues caused by the influx of foreign populations, the scope can become even broader. The ministries related to the Low Birth Rate and Aging Society Commission include the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Ministry of Employment and Labor, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. The Ministry of National Defense, facing issues with military manpower, is also inseparable from population issues. It would not be an exaggeration to say that population issues relate to almost all government ministries.

The population structure changes we currently face are significant environmental changes and challenges that require a whole-of-government response. This is why a control tower is needed to establish comprehensive mid- to long-term future strategies, coordinate policies, and provide support related to low birth rates, aging, and the influx of foreign populations. Whether the population policy control tower takes the form of a commission or an independent dedicated ministry requires further discussion. However, to integrate population policies scattered across various ministries and agencies and to enhance execution capability, an independent organization with substantial authority at the ministerial level would be desirable.

It is hoped that future discussions on establishing an immigration agency will be conducted from a broader and more comprehensive perspective of population structure changes. If a population policy control tower is created, policies should be considered with a view toward the 'future' 20 to 30 years ahead, beyond current issues. Population policies must not be trapped by short-term effects. Population structure changes are a critical structural driver that could fundamentally shake the foundation of future Korea. If we truly recognize the seriousness of population issues, bold institutional decisions are necessary.