Foreign worker numbers under E-9 visa plunge amid economic slowdown in South Korea this year. Indeed, new figures show a sharp 21 percent decline in arrivals during the first half of 2025. The Ministry of Employment and Labor released these statistics on Monday. Only 28,520 workers entered the country under the E-9 visa by June 10. This compares to 36,048 workers in the same period last year.
The government operates the Employment Permit System to fill chronic labor shortages. It allows employers to hire foreign workers for low-skilled roles. Consequently, workers on E-9 visas typically serve in sectors like agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. Many industries depend on this steady flow of labor. Foreign worker numbers under E-9 visa plunge amid economic slowdown, creating pressure on these sectors.
Previously, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a steep fall in E-9 arrivals. However, numbers rebounded in 2022 and 2023 with 88,102 and 100,148 workers. But in 2024, numbers dropped to 78,025 workers — far below the cap of 165,000. Moreover, the downturn continued this year, with just 21.9 percent of the 130,000 quota filled so far. The Labor Ministry linked the decline to weaker economic demand.
In particular, manufacturing saw the biggest decline in new arrivals. The sector took in 21,443 workers this year, a 25.8 percent fall from 28,887 in 2024. Additionally, fishing also suffered, with numbers down 21.7 percent. Meanwhile, construction was hit even harder, seeing a 33.1 percent decrease. Foreign worker numbers under E-9 visa plunge amid economic slowdown, leaving many employers struggling to find staff.
On the other hand, agriculture and the service sector recorded slight gains. The agriculture and livestock sector grew by 19.3 percent to 4,031 workers. Furthermore, the service sector rose 27.5 percent, bringing in 254 workers. Nevertheless, these increases remain small in absolute terms. They cannot offset the sharp falls in other industries. Foreign worker numbers under E-9 visa plunge amid economic slowdown, raising fresh concerns for South Korea’s labor market.
