South Korea Unveils E-7 Visa Occupation List for Skilled Workers

South Korea has published a detailed list of occupations eligible for the E-7 Specified Activities visa, which allows foreign skilled workers to live and work in the country. This visa is intended for individuals who will work under a contract with a public or private organization in sectors identified by the South Korean Ministry of Justice as needing foreign labor with specialized skills.

The E-7 visa is divided into four sub-categories: E-7-1 for Professionals, covering 67 occupations; E-7-2 for semi-professional workers in office and service roles, covering 10 occupations; E-7-3 for General Skilled Labourers, specifically Craft and Related Skilled Workers; and E-7-4 for Skilled Tradespersons, which operates on a point-based system and includes three occupations. Regardless of the category, applicants can be granted a maximum stay of three years, and they must engage in activities designated by the Minister of Justice, meaning employers and roles must be on the approved occupational lists.