Jeonnam Accelerates Development of "Jeonnam-type Immigration Policy Model"

Promoting Customized Immigration Policies
Based on a Survey of Foreign Residents and Enterprises

On-site of the final report meeting for the survey on foreign residents and enterprises and the discovery of Jeonnam-type immigration policy model. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province held the final report meeting for the "Survey on Foreign Residents and Enterprises Responding to Industrial Demand and Discovery of Jeonnam-type Immigration Policy Model" on September 24, aiming to attract foreign workers in line with mid- to long-term industrial demand and characteristics, and to develop measures to help them settle in the region.

The project was jointly conducted by the Immigration Policy Institute under the Ministry of Justice and the Jeonnam Research Institute.

A comprehensive survey of more than 1,300 foreign residents in the province revealed that foreigners face difficulties in language, participation in economic activities, child-rearing and education, and social interaction.

Key tasks identified include expanding counseling services such as interpretation, strengthening the foundation for Korean language education, and promoting community activities for both locals and foreigners to help build social relationships.

A separate survey of 707 local companies on foreign employment showed that, over the past year, the average number of foreign workers employed was 6.2 in agriculture and fisheries and 9.1 in general businesses. On average, 16.4% of companies responded that they plan to increase the number of foreign workers in the future, with most expressing a preference for hiring long-term and skilled workers.

The main challenges associated with hiring foreign workers were found to be complex employment procedures, communication difficulties, and frequent workplace changes. In agriculture, fisheries, and construction, many cited difficulties in meeting seasonal labor demand.

With mid- to long-term demand for foreign workers in agriculture and manufacturing expected to continue rising due to low birth rates and an aging population, a range of policy measures were proposed, including designing regional visas to secure long-term and skilled workers and supporting the settlement of foreign workers accompanied by their families to expand settlement-type immigration.

In particular, considering the seasonal labor needs in agriculture and fisheries, notable proposals included a "relay seasonal work system" that allows workers to move between regions and crops, as well as strategies to attract skilled workers using Official Development Assistance (ODA) programs.

Yoon Yeonhwa, Director of the Population and Youth Immigration Bureau of Jeonnam Province, stated, "At present, only proactive, region-led immigration policies can resolve the severe labor shortages in the industrial sector and ensure sustainable economic growth and development. Based on the findings of this project, we will further develop a Jeonnam-type immigration policy."

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