South Korea allows international students to enter nursing field

The South Korean government has launched a new initiative to address the shortage of long-term caregivers for the elderly. In the near future, South Korea will introduce a new type of work visa specifically for caregivers. The visa is specifically aimed at international students in Korea and is part of a broader plan to expand eligibility for foreign workers.

According to government statistics, the average age of nurses in Korea was 61.7 as of December last year. If the new recruitment standards are taken into account, the risk of a shortage of workers in the industry will increase significantly. Therefore, the Korean government is actively encouraging international students to enter the healthcare sector.

In addition, foreigners in Korea who have an H-2 visa and have a nursing degree will be eligible to switch to an F-4 visa, allowing them to stay permanently. Graduates who find employment at nursing facilities will be eligible to apply for an E-7 visa, allowing them to work in 88 occupations designated by the Minister of Justice.

The moves are part of a broader effort by the South Korean government to address a shortage of caregivers as the country becomes a super-aging society. A pilot program is expected to be launched soon, allowing up to 400 international students to apply for two-year visas to work in the health care sector.

Previously, the Ministry of Health and Welfare planned to reduce the ratio of care recipients per nursing staff from the current 2.3 to 2.1 starting in 2025 to improve the quality of long-term care services. However, due to a potential shortage of staff, the ministry will postpone the date until the end of 2026.