According to Yonhap News,

(SEOUL=Yonhap News) The Korea Immigration Service, under the Ministry of Justice, announced May 5 that foreigners in Korea who are considered professionals contributing significantly to the nation’s competitiveness will be able to conveniently fulfill their administrative needs regarding their stay in Korea.

Thus far, the process of registering and reporting changes regarding their status or an extension of stay required visiting nine immigration offices. Now there are 24 offices nationwide with a department dedicated to handling these matters.

These departments issue a Permission on Extension of Stay, Permission on Changing or Adding Workplace and a Re-entry Permit, file a Change in Residence and Changes of Particulars of Foreigner Registration and provide other administrative services. The City Airport Immigration Office issues a Permission on Extension of Stay and Permission to Engage in Activities Beyond the Limits of Current Status.

Previously, only E-1 (Professorship), E-3 (Research) and E-4 (Technology Transfer) visa holders were eligible to use the administrative service. Now, eligible visa categories have been extended to E-6-1 and E-6-3, as well as to experts working in cutting-edge industries who are recommended by KOTRA or the Small and Medium Business Corporation (SBC).

Foreigners residing in Korea can use the e-government service to receive a Permission on Extension of Stay, at www.hikorea.go.kr.

kjihn@yna.co.kr

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