8 out of 10 students want jobs

in Korea, but only 6% of foreign students secure professional positions through the E-7 visa, which is designed for skilled workers. The report shows that as the number of international students in Korea reached 197,000 in 2022, barriers to employment remain a significant challenge. A survey of 493 international students revealed that 78% are open to working in Korea, with 50% favoring Korean companies as their top choice post-graduation. Interestingly, many are flexible about working outside major corporations and the Seoul metropolitan area, with 75% willing to consider jobs in smaller firms if the salary and benefits are competitive. Domestic firms are warming up to hiring foreign talent, with 51% of trade companies indicating a willingness to employ international graduates from Korean universities. However, challenges persist, including limited recruitment channels, visa constraints, and a lack of awareness about job opportunities for foreigners. In response, KITA has called for measures to improve the utilization of international students, such as expanding the E-7-1 visa quota, creating new visa categories tailored to students, and establishing job information platforms. Joint hiring programs between academia and industry were also suggested to promote regional development and provide better career opportunities for foreign talent. The report underscores the importance of integrating skilled foreign workers into Korea’s labor market. With 2.5 million foreigners living in Korea in 2023, only 920,000 are employed locally, most under nonprofessional visas like the E-9. Summarized from: https://news.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241014050520