Korea E-9 Visa 2025 is a strategic program aimed at addressing South Korea’s labor shortages by bringing in 130,000 foreign workers in 2025. Under the Employment Permit System (EPS), this initiative provides opportunities for overseas workers in industries facing critical manpower gaps.
What is the Korea E-9 Visa 2025 Program?
The Korea E-9 Visa 2025 program enables employers to hire workers from 17 partner countries, with Tajikistan joining the list in 2025. Administered by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the initiative supports various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and construction, that struggle to find local workers.
The visa quota for 2025 has been set at 130,000, a reduction from 165,000 in 2024, reflecting labor market conditions and economic considerations.
Industries Covered Under the E-9 Visa
E-9 visa holders are employed in labor-intensive sectors where manpower is critical. The allocations for 2025 include:
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Manufacturing: 72,000 workers.
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Agriculture and Dairy: 10,000 workers.
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Fishing: 8,500 workers.
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Service Sector: 3,000 workers.
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Shipbuilding: 2,500 workers.
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Construction: 2,000 workers.
An additional 32,000 visas will be issued based on specific industry demands throughout the year.
Application Process for Korea E-9 Visa 2025
To apply for the Korea E-9 Visa 2025, interested workers must follow these steps:
1. Eligibility Verification
- Applicants must be citizens of one of the 17 partner countries or Tajikistan (starting in 2025).
- Must meet age, health, and education criteria set by the EPS.
2. EPS-TOPIK Test
- Candidates must pass the Employment Permit System Test of Proficiency in Korean (EPS-TOPIK), which evaluates basic Korean language skills and job knowledge.
3. Preliminary Selection
- Shortlisted candidates undergo further training and document verification through their respective countries’ labor ministries or authorized agencies.
4. Employer Selection and Job Allocation
- Employers in Korea select workers based on their skills and industry needs.
5. Visa Issuance
- Successful applicants receive an E-9 visa, allowing them to work in South Korea under the program’s guidelines.
Requirements for E-9 Visa Applicants
Applicants for the Korea E-9 Visa 2025 must fulfill the following criteria:
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Age: Typically between 18 and 39 years.
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Health: Must pass a medical examination.
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Language Proficiency: A valid EPS-TOPIK certificate is mandatory.
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Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must provide a police clearance certificate.
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Education: High school education or equivalent is preferred.
Expansion of the E-8 Visa Program
In addition to the E-9 visa, the authorities have raised the quota for E-8 visas to 75,000 for 2025. This short-term visa permits foreign workers to assist during peak seasons, ensuring flexibility for industries like agriculture and construction.
Why the Korea E-9 Visa 2025 is Important
The Korea E-9 Visa 2025 is a key component of South Korea’s strategy to sustain economic growth. By addressing workforce shortages in manufacturing, agriculture, and other critical sectors, the program strengthens the country’s industrial base while fostering international partnerships.
This initiative reflects South Korea’s commitment to integrating a global workforce and ensuring sustainable development in a competitive global economy.
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