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| 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
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."
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