Gov't to tighten visa screening for English instructors

SEOUL, Jan. 7 (Yonhap) -- The government said Wednesday it plans to tighten the
process of issuing work visas to foreigners who want to teach English in the
country, amid increasing concerns over crimes involving foreign nationals.

The Ministry of Justice said it plans to revise the country's visa laws to
require overseas E-2 visa applicants to submit any criminal records they may have
to South Korean consulates in their respective countries.
Applicants will also be required to submit health records. E-2 applicants
currently are required to undergo medical screening, including testing for HIV,
shortly after their arrival in South Korea.
E-2 visas are issued to foreign teachers from seven English-speaking countries,
such as the United States and Canada, who take positions at public school
districts or private academies. The revisions are expected to be put into effect
in March.
The ministry said the plan is aimed at curbing crimes by foreign nationals. The
number of crimes committed by foreign nationals -- not only E-2 visa holders --
rose from 9,103 in 2004 to 14,524 in 2007, according to the National Police
Agency.
odissy@yna.co.kr
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