Jeonnam Province Attracts Outstanding Foreigners to Overcome Regional Extinction Crisis

Expansion of the Ministry of Justice's Regional Specialized Visa Program
A Total of 694 People, Including Regionally Specialized Skilled Workers, Allocated

The Korean language education site for foreign workers who have come to Jeonnam. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeollanam-do has been selected for the Ministry of Justice's regional specialized visa program, allowing the province to attract 386 regional talents (F2R) and 308 regionally specialized skilled workers (E74R) to 13 areas experiencing population decline.

The regional specialized visa program is designed to counteract local depopulation by issuing specialized visas, recommended by the provincial governor, to outstanding foreigners and overseas Koreans with certain qualifications, encouraging them to settle in areas with declining populations.

In Jeollanam-do, Damyang, Gokseong, Gurye, Goheung, Hwasun, Jangheung, Gangjin, Haenam, Yeongam, Yeonggwang, Jangseong, Jindo, and Sinan counties are participating in the program, an increase of seven locations compared to last year.

The newly established regionally specialized skilled worker (E74R) category evaluates foreigners who have stayed in Korea for more than two years on E-9, E-10, or H-2 visas based on their average income, Korean language proficiency, and age, using a point-based system to allow conversion.

For Korean language proficiency, obtaining at least level 2 on the Korean Language Proficiency Test is required in principle, but if not yet acquired, visa conversion is possible on the condition that it is obtained within two years.

The regional talent (F2R) category is open to foreigners with an income of at least 70% of the per capita Gross National Income (GNI) or higher education (associate degree or above) who have lived in the recruitment area for more than five years and are employed or have started a business.

The regional specialized overseas Korean (F4R) category targets overseas Koreans under 60 who have lived in the recruitment area for more than two years, or who are willing to relocate from non-depopulation areas or overseas to the recruitment area under the condition of residing for more than two years.

The regional talent (F2R) and regional specialized overseas Korean (F4R) categories are currently recruiting conversion candidates through local governments.

All three types of regional specialized visas allow not only long-term residence but also the invitation of spouses and minor children as accompanying family members, with special provisions allowing employment activities for invited spouses.

Kim Myungshin, Director of Population and Youth Immigration at Jeollanam-do, said, "As more regions are participating in this year's regional specialized visa program, we will actively attract more outstanding foreigners."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.