CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE TRIPARTITE CONTRACT UNDER THE E-9 VISA
2026-09-03 22:45:00 / News
The Migration Agency has reviewed certain provisions of the tripartite contract concluded with citizens travelling to the Republic of Korea to carry out temporary employment under the E-9 visa.
The previous contract stipulated that before changing their workplace, citizens had to obtain the consent of the Migration Agency’s representative office in the Republic of Korea, and that a fine could be imposed in cases of non-compliance with the established requirements.
These requirements were introduced to prevent citizens from falling into illegal status in the Republic of Korea, maintain regular contact with them, and provide social, legal, and material assistance when necessary.
Based on negotiations held with employers and non-governmental non-profit organizations in the Republic of Korea, as well as an analysis of citizens’ appeals, these requirements were reviewed.
As a result, the provisions requiring prior approval from the Agency’s representative office to change workplaces, as well as imposing a fine for failure to comply with this requirement, were removed from the tripartite contract.
From now on, citizens do not need to obtain separate approval from the Migration Agency to change their workplace. They may terminate their employment contract with their employer and enter into an employment relationship with a new employer in accordance with applicable procedures and legislation.
❗️Important: this change does not alter the legal requirements established by the Republic of Korea for the E-9 visa.
‼️The provision on imposing a fine for remaining in Korea in illegal status has been retained in the contract.
A citizen working under an E-9 visa must register with the state as a job seeker within 1 month after terminating the employment contract with the employer and find new employment within 90 days. Otherwise, they will be required to leave the territory of the Republic of Korea.
A citizen who does not find employment within the established period and does not leave the country may fall into illegal status. In such a case, in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Korea, a fine, deportation, and a ban on re-entry into the country may be imposed.
Therefore, although the Agency’s service contract has been revised, citizens are requested to strictly comply with the procedures and deadlines established by the legislation of the Republic of Korea when changing their workplace.