As more foreigners come to work in Korea, there has been a push to amend the current visa regulations. Currently, foreigners employed in Korea on E-9 visas can stay for up to three years. However, they must renew their visas every year. Also, after three years, it is mandatory for them to leave the country for at least one month before renewing contracts with their previous companies for two more years. This is a very costly process, in terms of both money and time. Therefore, a new bill has been introduced so that foreign nationals working on E-9 visas will be able to stay in Korea for up to three years before having to renew their visas. The bill is currently being considered by the National Assembly and will be effective in early 2009, if it is passed.

Support for this amendment stems from a shift in focus for many Korean companies. In order to globalize their operations, Korean firms are adjusting their hiring needs. In a survey by the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry, over 25% of companies indicated that they had hired employees from English-speaking countries, while another 25% said they had hired people from China. In most cases, firms reported that this shift in focus was simply because they are moving into foreign markets. As a result, hiring international employees is becoming significantly more common in Korea, for both local and multinational companies.

Regulations easing visa rules means that multinational companies in Korea, who already tend hire diverse workforces, may begin face more competition for the same talent pools from local Korean companies. However, at the same time, it is likely to make it easier administratively for companies to employ a workforce that best reflects their multinational interests.