January 5, 2026

 

South Korea to expand issuance of visas for foreign aquaculture technicians

 

 

To address labor shortages in South Korea's aquaculture industry, the country's government will expand the issuance of visas for foreign aquaculture technicians.

 

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) and the Ministry of Justice said on January 5 they will expand the issuance of visas for foreign aquaculture technicians, previously limited to the sea cucumber species, to 16 aquaculture species.

 

The expanded species include flatfish and rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii), mullet, and red seabream, as well as laver, kelp, mussels, Manila clams, abalone, and whiteleg shrimp.

 

The aquaculture industry has suffered from labor shortages due to an aging workforce and low inflow of young people. In particular, it has been difficult to secure technicians needed for managing broodstock (parent fish), seed production, intermediate culture, and grow-out farming.

 

Reflecting on-site calls that it is necessary to increase domestic employment of foreign aquaculture technicians, the MOF has been in ongoing consultations with the Ministry of Justice on the matter. As a result of the consultations, they decided to conduct a two-year pilot programme to issue visas for foreign technicians in 16 aquaculture species.

 

Through the pilot programme, about 200 foreign aquaculture technicians per year (up to two per company) will be able to work in South Korea over the next two years.

 

Kim Seong-beom, acting Minister of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, said: "By expanding domestic employment of foreign aquaculture technicians, we have at least eased the chronic labor shortage in the aquaculture industry and enabled the timely securing of skilled personnel."

 

- CHOSUNBIZ