KUALA LUMPUR - South Korea will expand the scope of its top-tier visas for high-tech foreign talent and introduce a new visa programme for technicians to address demographic challenges, the Ministry of Justice said.

Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho announced the measures during a press briefing outlining the country’s immigration policy strategy for the 2030s, as reported by The Korea Times.

At present, top-tier visas are limited to personnel from companies in eight advanced industries, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence and robotics.

The ministry said the scheme will be expanded to include professors and researchers in science and technology fields.

It also announced the creation of the “K-Core visa” to help technical colleges systematically train foreign workers with intermediate skills.

The new visa is intended to ease labour shortages in the domestic manufacturing sector.

The government will provide foreigners with information on employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in depopulated regions.

It will also establish a regional immigration package offering comprehensive support, including social integration education and childcare services.

A pilot programme will be introduced to help small regional businesses hire foreign workers.

In addition, a new visa scheme for skilled agricultural and fishery workers will be launched to promote long-term employment in those sectors.

The ministry said the measures are part of broader efforts to strengthen workforce sustainability and regional development.