New Visa Rules to Be Enforced for Marriage Immigrants

Starting this April, new visa rules for foreigners wanting to marry and live in Korea will take effect.

Foreigners will have to prove they have basic Korean language skills by either passing a language test or completing a language course.

Koreans will be eligible to bring their foreign spouse to Korea to live if they earn an annual income of at least US$14,000, which is more than 120 percent the minimum cost of living here.

The Ministry of Justice said the rules are intended to address social problems that arise from international marriages, including domestic violence due to communication difficulties or a lack of ability to financially support the family.