Trump administration moves to overhaul how H-1B visas are granted, ending lottery system

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday it was replacing its longstanding lottery system for H-1B work visas with a new approach that prioritizes skilled, higher-paid foreign workers.

2025-12-24

Seoul to accept 109,100 foreign seasonal workers in 2026

Korea has decided to accept 109,100 foreign seasonal workers into the country next year under a program aimed to cope with labor shortages in sectors such as agriculture and fisheries, sources said Wednesday.

2025-12-24

Korea sees record 1.1 million foreign workers in 2025

The number of foreign workers in Korea surpassed 1.1 million in 2025 to reach a record high, while the proportion of employed international students also rose sharply, a survey showed Thursday.

2025-12-18

Gov't investigation finds widespread labor abuses against foreign workers

A sweeping government investigation has found widespread labor abuses against foreign workers in Korea, with officials reporting that 93 percent of inspected workplaces violated labor laws.

2025-11-19

Farms struggle to keep hands as seasonal workers dash to higher-paying jobs

A growing number of seasonal foreign workers are vanishing from job sites across rural Korea, deepening concerns among local governments.

2025-07-25

Number of foreign workers with nonprofessional employment visas drop 21%

The number of foreign workers arriving in Korea with nonprofessional employment visas (E-9) dropped 21 percent this year, according to government data Sunday, apparently hit by the nation's sluggish economic growth.

2025-06-22

Desperate restaurant owners turn to robots, day laborers amid worker shortage

Despite various hiring incentives, small business owners say job seekers aren’t showing up. As of the second half of last year, the food and beverage service industry reported a labor shortage of 49,312 people, according to the Labor Ministry.

2025-05-21

Fatal Aricell factory fire prompts stricter safety regulations to protect foreign workers

In response to the deadly Aricell factory fire that killed 23, including 18 foreign workers, the Labor Ministry will roll out tighter safety regulations.

2024-08-13

Foreign job seekers hit 15-year high on back of visa rule changes

The number of foreigners coming to Korea for jobs posted the second-highest total since data was first collected at 173,000, with the government actively seeking to ease the visa process.

2024-07-11

Koreans remain reluctant to hire foreign household workers despite gov't efforts

The government plans to relax visa regulations for migrant household workers to address Korea's low fertility rate and aging society. Some Koreans are concerned about the high cost and cultural consequences of hiring such workers.

2024-04-06

korea joongAng daily