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1. Significance and Purpose of the Employment Permit System
The Employment Permit System is a system that supports small and medium-sized enterprises in South Korea, which are facing management difficulties due to the inability to recruit domestic workers, by allowing them to legally employ foreign workers with government permission.
This system aims to systematically introduce and manage foreign workers, thereby smoothly supplying manpower to South Korea's industrial sites and promoting balanced development of the national economy.
2. Major Features of the System
① Priority Protection of Employment Opportunities for Nationals
The government prioritizes protecting the jobs of its own citizens. Therefore, employers must make efforts to recruit domestic workers for at least 7 days before applying for permission to hire foreign workers. Permission to hire foreign workers is granted only if they fail to recruit personnel through these efforts.
② Transparent Introduction Procedures (Government-to-Government Cooperation)
To prevent corruption and irregularities that may occur during the sending process, the South Korean government directly concludes Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with foreign governments. Transparency of the procedures is ensured by having public institutions in charge of the selection and introduction process of personnel.
③ Employer-Centered Worker Selection
Employers can review the list of job seekers provided by the sending country (nationality, physical conditions, education, Korean language ability, etc.) and directly select the most suitable candidates for their businesses.
④ Protection of Human Rights and Interests of Foreign Workers
The South Korean government prohibits unfair discrimination against foreign workers.
Application of Labor Standards Act: They receive protection under labor relations laws on an equal basis with domestic workers.
Social Insurance Enrollment: Basic social safety nets such as industrial accident insurance and health insurance are provided.
3. Employment Activity Period and Return Principle
The Employment Permit System takes the prevention of permanent settlement of non-professional foreign workers as its principle.
Employment Activity Period: A basic period of 3 years is granted, and with re-employment permission, work is possible for up to 4 years and 10 months.
Return Obligation: Workers whose employment activity period has expired must return to their home country. This is a principle for smooth personnel exchange.
4. Status of Sending Countries under the Employment Permit System (17 Countries)
The countries that have signed MOUs with the South Korean government and are sending personnel through the Employment Permit System are as follows.
Southeast Asia / Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, East Timor, Laos
Central and South Asia / Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan
East Asia / China