Busan Metropolitan City on March 20 said that from March 26, it will begin recruiting foreign workers to apply for a region-specialized visa. (Seo-gu District Office)

By Margareth Theresia 

The city government of Busan on March 20 said that between March 26 and April 25, it will recruit foreign workers to apply for newly launched region-specialized visas.

The intent of such visas is to attract foreign workers to areas depopulated or in danger of population decline, prevent provincial extinction and achieve balanced regional development.

Busan has three districts designated depopulated areas -- Seo-gu, Dong-gu and Yeongdo-gu -- and Jung-gu and Geumjung-gu are deemed in danger of population decline.

The quota is 150 for the region-specific outstanding talent (F-2-R) visa and 159 for that of region-specific skilled workers (E-7-4R). That for ethnic Koreans from overseas (F-4-R) has no limit and is processed through a continuous recommendation basis.

Those who wish to change to their visas to the F-2-R or E-7-4R can apply by April 25 at the district office nearest to them. Applications for the F-4-R will be accepted on a regular basis through next year.

More information is available on the city's official website (www.busan.go.kr/nbgosi).

margareth@korea.kr