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The government is considering allowing dual citizenship for foreign experts and Koreans who have completed the mandatory military service in an attempt to prevent a brain drain and to attract talented professionals.
The Justice Ministry said the measure was discussed at a second policy meeting on foreigners, which was presided over by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and attended by ministers and civic experts.
Choo Kyu-ho, head of the Immigration Bureau at the Ministry of Justice, said the ministry is reviewing allowing dual citizenship as part of Seoul's efforts to lure talented people from abroad.
Choo noted that more than 10,000 talented Koreans leave the country every year, and over 170,000 people have abandoned their Korean citizenship over the past decade while only 50,000 acquired Korean citizenship in that time.
The ministry said it would first allow Koreans who have completed military service and foreign professionals to have dual citizenship if the measure is introduced, taking into consideration public suspicions and resentment toward dual citizenship holders.
The government will introduce a working visa system in the first half of next year to allow foreigners with experience at leading multinationals or diplomas from top universities to look for jobs in Korea without an invitation.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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