The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Science and ICT on May 31 announced the expansion of eligibility for the Top-Tier Visa to professors and researchers in science and technology, in addition to personnel in corporations in cutting-edge sectors. (iClickArt) Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution of this image is prohibited under copyright law.

By Koh Hyunjeong

Efforts to attract the world's top personnel in science and technology have taken a major step forward.

The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Science and ICT on May 31 announced the expansion of the scope of the Top-Tier Visa from June to cover professors and researchers in science and technology to attract world-class human resources from abroad. The visa had previously been limited to staff at companies in cutting-edge sectors.

When universities, government-funded think tanks and corporate labs hire outstanding researchers from abroad, those hired will receive such visas linked to recommendations from the science ministry and screenings by the justice ministry.

Applicants must meet requirements such as awards, research publications, achievements in commercial applications of technology and research experience. Those considered to have high potential will be included in the candidate pool through a separate review process.

The goal is to attract 2,000 excellent science and technology professionals from abroad by 2030. Visa recipients will get priority for services to aid them from arrival in the country to settlement.

Minister of Justice Jung Sung-ho said, "These policy improvements are expected to help attract top talent in science and technology from abroad and boost the research capabilities of think tanks."

hjkoh@korea.kr