Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Gov't extends visas for 18,000 foreign workers amid COVID-19 pandemic
A person wearing protective clothing exchanges currency at Incheon International Airport on March 26. Employers say they are struggling to replace foreign workers. Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
By Jung Min-ho
By Jung Min-ho
The government has extended visas for more than 18,000 foreign workers as employers here are struggling to replace them due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor said Tuesday that the 50-day extension will apply to 18,508 foreign workers under the Employment Permit System (EPS) ― most in labor-intensive industries ― whose visas are set to expire in three months.
With many countries strengthening border restrictions over COVID-19 fears, employers say they are struggling to replace foreign workers whose visas are expiring soon. Among 16 countries that signed up for the EPS, nine have suspended the program as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the disease.
“It is a necessary measure for employers and foreign workers alike as the pandemic makes it difficult for everyone to travel between countries,” Minister Lee Jae-gap said in a statement. “It will allow employers to minimize their manpower vacuum and workers to minimize their livelihood issues.”