The Ministry of Justice has set this year's quota of the E-7-4 (skilled worker) visa at 33,000. (HD Heavy Industries)

By Aisylu Akhmetzianova

The quota for the E-7-4 (skilled manual worker) visa this year is 33,000, down 2,000 from last year.

The Ministry of Justice on Feb. 10 announced this in a report on visa issuance for 2026.

A ministry analysis found that such a visa had a positive effect on the country's demographic shifts and labor market as well as the economy.

The quota of 33,000 was based on the latest trends in visa transition, industrial demand and opinions from related ministries.

A pilot program was also launched to bring in general skilled workers on the E-7-3 visa for molding, an industry struggling from an aging workforce and lack of human resources.

The specific manner of this initiative's adoption will be decided by the ministry's visa and residence policy council.

In addition, the annual visa issuance for occupations under pilot operation such as caregivers and power transmission workers will be managed within acceptable limits, as well as seasonal work and visas for non-professional employment.

aisylu@korea.kr