S. Korea to simplify visa issuance and naturalization for foreigners

SEOUL, Jan. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will simplify visa issuance procedures and
increase the number of test sites for naturalization interviews for foreigners,
officials said Sunday.

The Justice Ministry said it will increase test sites for naturalization
interviews to 17 immigration offices and local branch offices across the nation
starting Monday, expanding from one site at a ministry building in Gyeonggi
Province.
Companies seeking to invite professional foreign workers in specified fields will
be allowed to apply for their visas through the government website
(www.visa.go.kr), which also provides a database of talented workers overseas.
The government will also allow foreigners who invest US$500,000 or more in the
country to be eligible to receive the F-2 residential visa, which can later be
upgraded to an F-5 visa for permanent residence if they reside in the country for
more than five years. The system will first take effect in the southern resort
island of Jeju in an effort to boost the local tourism industry and will expand
to other regions later, officials said.
Under the new rule, foreigners married to Koreans or international students who
frequently travel overseas will be eligible for multiple entry visas and visa fee
exemptions.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)

Delete & Prev | Delete & Next