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Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho announced the measures at a press briefing on Tuesday, describing them as part of the government’s long-term immigration strategy looking toward the 2030s, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The top-tier visa is currently granted mainly to professionals working in eight advanced sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence and robotics.

Under the revised policy, eligibility will be expanded to include professors and researchers in science and technology fields.

The Justice Ministry said it developed the “2030 Immigration Policy Future Strategy” in response to declining birth rates and an aging population, as well as rapid changes in industrial and technological environments.

Authorities also plan to introduce a new visa program called the K-Core Visa (E-7-M), allowing international students graduating from Korean junior colleges to remain in the country for longer periods, The Korea Herald reported.

To address labor shortages in the care sector, the government will designate selected colleges in each region to specialize in training foreign caregivers.

The ministry also intends to launch a regional immigration package program aimed at encouraging foreign residents to live and work in areas experiencing population decline. The initiative will offer support such as employment and business information, social integration programs and childcare assistance to help foreign workers and their families settle in local communities.

In addition, a new visa for skilled workers in agriculture and fisheries will be introduced, enabling seasonal migrants who meet certain requirements, including work experience and completion of relevant training, to remain employed in those industries for longer periods.