Newsnomics AJAY ANGELINA reporter |

South Korean government plans to extremely expand specialized vocational training for foreign migrants entering in Korea with the non-professional employ ment visa (E-9) to meet with the growing labor shortages in the shipbuilding and other root industries, said the Ministry of Employment and Labor on Tuesday.

The E-9 visa is typically granted to workers from countries that have agreements with South Korea to participate in its Employment Permit System (EPS), allows foreign workers to engage in the job activities that require manual or non-professional labor.

Earlier this year, the ministry launched a pilot vocational training program for E-9 visa holders employing in the shipbuilding industry with a motif to improve their job skills and to learn basic Korean language skill as well as the understanding of Korean culture.

By the end of this year, about 500 to 600 foreign workers hopefully will complete their specialized vocational training at six major shipbuilders including- Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Samsung Heavy Industries, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, Hanwha Ocean and Daehan Shipbuilding.

The ministry of Employment and Labor said, “it will expand the month-long vocational training to other root industries and the number of training recipients will be increased to 4,000 next year.”

On Tuesday, Lee Sung-hee, Vice minister of labor ministry has revealed the policy plan during his visit to Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries situated in the southwestern county of Yeongam by listening the difficulties shipbuilding sectors are facing.

Vice minister Lee said, “the vocational and language training for existing E-9 workers will be strengthened by expanding it for the period of three to seven months instead of two to three months.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Lee said, “the ministry plans to decide the number of E-9 workers to be brought in South Korea next year under the Employment Permit System earlier than usual during November.”