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Step 1: Prior Efforts to Recruit Domestic Workers
Employers wishing to hire foreign workers must first make efforts to recruit domestic personnel.
Application Method: Visit the local employment center or apply for job seekers through Worknet (www.work.go.kr)
Recruitment Period: In principle, efforts to recruit domestic workers must continue for 7 days. (However, it can be exceptionally shortened to 3 days if media advertisements such as newspapers and broadcasts are conducted concurrently)
Step 2: Application for Foreign Employment Permit and Qualification Review
If personnel cannot be recruited despite efforts to recruit domestic workers, an application for a foreign employment permit can be made.
Application Deadline: Within 3 days after the end of the domestic recruitment effort period
Business Qualification Requirements
- Must be a business/ workplace permitted for foreign workers and in an industry allowed for foreign workers
- Despite efforts to recruit domestic workers for a certain period, must not have hired all or some of the domestic workers who applied for the job
- Must not have caused domestic workers to resign due to employment adjustment from 2 months before the date of domestic recruitment application until the date of issuance of the employment permit
- Must not have had any wage arrears from 5 months before the date of domestic recruitment application until the date of issuance of the employment permit
- Must be enrolled in employment insurance and workers' compensation insurance as of the application date (excluding non-applicable workplaces)
Step 3: Selection of Qualified Candidates and Issuance of Employment Permit
The employment center refers three times the number of requested recruits in foreign job seekers to the employer.
Selection Method: The employer directly selects qualified candidates from those referred by visiting the employment center or through the system (www.eps.go.kr).
Result: Receives employment permits from the local employment center for the selected personnel.
Step 4: Conclusion of Standard Employment Contract
Upon issuance of the employment permit, the standard employment contract is proceeded with.
Contract Process: Korea Industries Human Resources & Development Corporation sends the contract to the sending country, where the local sending institution confirms the worker's intent and finalizes the contract. The contract is completed when the electronically confirmed contract is resent.
Step 5: Application and Issuance of Visa Issuance Certificate
After the employment contract is concluded, the employer or agency proceeds with the visa (Visa) procedures for the worker's entry into Korea.
Application Place: Ministry of Justice Immigration Office
Required Documents: Visa issuance recognition application form, copy of employment permit, copy of standard employment contract, business registration certificate, etc.
Step 6: Entry and Completion of Foreign Employment Education
The worker who has received the visa enters the country and receives mandatory education before being deployed to the workplace.
Education Content: Completion of 16 hours of employment education (Korean culture, industrial safety, etc.) and health checkup
Cost Burden: The employer bears the education costs for general foreign workers, and the employment contract takes effect from the date of entry.
Step 7: Deployment to Workplace and Residence Support
The worker who has completed the education is deployed to the relevant workplace and begins work.
Aftercare: Employers can receive counseling for grievances and interpretation services through Korea Industries Human Resources & Development Corporation, etc.
Rights Protection: Foreign workers are protected under the Labor Standards Act just like domestic workers, and in case of unfair treatment, they can apply for rights relief through relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Employment and Labor.