Few foreign graduates take up Korea’s care worker visa as gov't eyes robots, youth

What happened: Only 41 foreign nationals received South Korea's E-7-2 care worker visa against an annual quota of 400, a lawmaker said, as the government explores caregiving robots and training young Koreans instead. Key numbers: Quota 400; 41 visas issued (0 in 2024, 18 in 2025, 23 from January to September this year); 7,623 foreign care Why it matters: Experts warn staff shortages could persist without better working conditions, and a Korea Labor Institute researcher said young people will have little reason to enter the care sector if other industries offer better pay and recognition.

Only 41 foreign nationals received South Korea's E-7-2 care worker visa against an annual quota of 400, a lawmaker said, as the government explores caregiving robots and training young Koreans instead.

Experts warn staff shortages could persist without better working conditions, and a Korea Labor Institute researcher said young people will have little reason to enter the care sector if other industries offer better pay and recognition.