SEOUL – In a significant call for reform, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has urged a fundamental shift in South Korea’s immigration policy. Speaking at the Foreign Residents and Migration Policy Forum, he emphasized the necessity for more inclusive visa policies to address the nation’s pressing demographic challenges.
Demographic Crisis Looms
“With a total fertility rate of just 0.7 and the elder population set to surpass 20 percent next year, the potential workforce crisis looms large,” Oh stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation. His remarks reflect concerns over a shrinking labor pool and the potential economic implications for the city and the nation.
The mayor criticized the current immigration framework, which consists of 37 distinct visa types and over 80 subcategories. While he acknowledged that this complex system might serve regulatory purposes, he argued it often hinders individuals seeking long-term residency in South Korea.
Emphasizing Global Talent
Mayor Oh advocated for an inclusive immigration system to attract global talent, citing the newly introduced “Top-tier” visa as a promising development. This visa aims to secure skilled workers in high-demand sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum technology, and aerospace.
“The Top-tier visa could provide a solid foundation for enhancing Seoul’s global competitiveness and addressing future demographic challenges,” he noted. By attracting highly skilled professionals, the city could better position itself in an increasingly competitive international landscape.
A Call for Flexible Policies
Oh further urged the Ministry of Justice to adopt a more flexible approach, especially in critical sectors such as caregiving and nursing. He proposed that local governments be granted greater autonomy to issue visas tailored to their specific workforce needs, a shift from the current central government control over immigration policies.
Supporting Global Aspirations
Moon Hwy-Chang, president of aSSIST University, echoed Mayor Oh’s sentiments, pointing out that despite rising global interest in South Korea—partially fueled by the international success of K-pop—the existing system fails to attract global talents seeking opportunities in the city.
Citing a Boston Consulting Group report from 2024, he noted that the world’s top cities for talent—such as London, New York, and Berlin—share characteristics of economic advancement and high English proficiency. This highlights the need for South Korea to adapt its policies to remain competitive.
Learning from Global Models
Kim Hyun-jung, an associate professor at the Graduate School of International Studies at Dong-A University, discussed the economic ramifications of demographic shifts and suggested adopting systems similar to the European Union’s Blue Card program. This work visa is designed to attract highly skilled professionals from non-EU countries, offering a potential model for South Korea.
In countries like Germany, Blue Card holders can stay for three years and apply for residency after 33 months. If they demonstrate proficiency in German, they may qualify for long-term residency in just 21 months. “Germany increased its population by 1.7 million due to immigration between 2000 and 2020; without it, a drop of 5 million was anticipated,” Kim explained.
She proposed establishing a “Korean Blue Card” to similarly foster growth by collaborating with ASEAN countries, allowing skilled professionals to enter South Korea with a pathway to future residency.
Advocating for Holistic Immigration Policies
Experts at the forum advocated for a more comprehensive approach to immigration in South Korea. Cho Young-Hee, a senior researcher at the Migration Research and Training Centre, emphasized the need to recognize foreign nationals as more than just labor sources. “Foreign nationals should not be viewed as mere tools for labor supply,” she asserted, stressing the importance of policies that facilitate long-term settlement and integration.
Ilya Belyakov, an assistant professor at the University of Suwon’s department of foreign languages and cultures, pointed out that immigration discussions in South Korea often become entangled with labor market issues, leading to a fragmented approach. He argued that the conversation surrounding immigration should focus on coexistence and mutual benefit, rather than solely on labor augmentation.
A Centralized Approach to Integration
Belyakov also highlighted the necessity for a centralized immigration agency, akin to those in the United States and Australia, to effectively manage the integration of immigrants. Currently, the Ministry of Labor addresses labor market concerns, while the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family oversees marriage migrants, creating a disjointed system.
“The establishment of a dedicated agency could streamline the immigration process, ensuring that policies support the long-term integration of immigrants into Korean society,” he noted.
Conclusion: A Path Forward
As South Korea grapples with demographic shifts and a declining birthrate, Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s call for a reformed immigration policy resonates with a growing consensus among experts. By adopting more inclusive visa strategies, learning from global models, and promoting the integration of immigrants, South Korea can position itself to meet its future workforce needs and enhance its global competitiveness.
The discussions at the Foreign Residents and Migration Policy Forum signal a pivotal moment for South Korea as it seeks to redefine its immigration policies in an increasingly interconnected world. With thoughtful reforms, the nation has the potential to attract the diverse talent necessary for sustained economic growth and social cohesion.
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