Visa Restrictions For Foreign Nationals Who Default On Payments To National Health Insurance Service

At a Glance

The Korean Immigration Service has been restricting the grant of visa extensions and some work/residence permits to foreign nationals who have defaulted on payments to the Korean national health insurance service. This measure seeks to combat the abuse of the national health insurance system by those who leave Korea after undergoing expensive medical treatment under the national health insurance system. Employers with foreign nationals who have defaulted on national health insurance system payments will encounter difficulties and limitations in extending their foreign workers' visas. The situation

Since August 1, 2019, the Korean Immigration Service (KIS) has been restricting the grant of visa extensions and some work/residence permits to foreign nationals who have defaulted on payments to the Korean national health insurance service.

A closer look

Foreign nationals who are found to have defaulted on their premium payments up to three times will only be granted a visa extension up to six months (previously, if requested, a longer extension period would be granted). No visa extensions will be granted to those who default more than three times.

Impact

Foreign nationals will need to ensure they pay their national health insurance premiums on a timely basis to prevent visa/work permit/residence permit restrictions.

Employers with foreign nationals who have defaulted on national health...