Korea Debates 2030 Immigration Strategy on Global Talent, Visas and Settlement

South Korea's Ministry of Justice and Seoul National University have discussed a medium- to long-term immigration strategy responding to population decline, aging and changes in industry and technology.

The forum, titled "Future Strategy for Immigration Policy 2030," was held at Seoul National University's Graduate School of Public Administration on April 22, 2026. It followed a strategy paper announced by the Ministry of Justice in March and was intended to build discussion around possible policy reforms.

Four main areas were addressed.

The first was the more evidence-based design of foreign-worker intake levels and wage standards. Participants discussed how labor demand by industry and region, domestic labor-market conditions and wage levels could be considered together.

The second was visa policy for attracting and retaining overseas talent. The discussion considered pathways for researchers, technical professionals, highly skilled workers and international students to develop careers and continue contributing in Korea.

The third was stronger settlement and social-integration support. Korean-language education, access to daily-life and legal information, participation in local communities and mutual understanding between Korean and foreign residents were among the issues raised.

The fourth was the creation of dedicated institutions and infrastructure for immigration and border policy. Participants discussed how to coordinate responsibilities divided among ministries and local governments and how to improve data and administrative systems.

Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho said immigration policy should support economic vitality and regional development while maintaining legal order and public consensus. He also emphasized social integration and the protection of foreign residents' human rights.

The forum was a policy discussion, not the implementation of a new visa system. Proposals on visa reform, workforce intake or a dedicated immigration body would require additional government decisions, inter-agency coordination and, where necessary, legislation or regulatory amendments.

International students should therefore not treat the forum as an immediate change to D-2 or D-4 visa requirements or to post-graduation work-visa rules. Applications and residence planning must follow the official rules in effect at the time.