ACRC Resolves Four Month Delay of Visa Issuance for Vice-principal of International School in Korea

- ‘ACRC Foreign Enterprises Ombudsman’ created on 10 March resolved its first case -

(27 April 2021, ACRC)

Resolution was made on the first case of a foreign enterprise grievance filed against the four-month delay of the issuance of visa for a vice-principal of an international school based in Jeju Island.

Foreign Enterprises Ombudsman, launched on 10 March by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC, Chairperson Jeon Hyun-Heui), officially received the first foreign enterprise grievance case and through consultation with relevant authorities, resolved the case so as to restrictively allow for visa issuance to experts including in those in the education field from 19 March.

ACRC Foreign Enterprises Ombudsman (the Ombudsman) receives and consults foreign companies’ grievances, administrative appeals, reports of corruption and public interest infringement of various types, and inquiries on the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act through professional consultants as well as translation and interpretation services.

On March 30, a complaint was filed with the Ombudsman of the ACRC on the four-month delay of visa issuance to a newly appointed vice-principal of an international school in Jeju Island, causing many problems in providing education in the school.

Currently, because of the spread of COVID 19, excepting the areas of foreign affairs and government affairs, areas including the education field face a restriction on visa issuance.

Upon receiving the case, the Ombudsman of the ACRC explained the case in detail, for example, why the case was filed and how serious the problem is, to competent authorities including the Ministry of Justice. Through a close cooperation with the agencies, the Ombudsman could be able to find a solution

As a result, from 19 April, experts in some areas including the education sector could get a visa restrictively.

ACRC Commissioner Kim Tae-eung, who was appointed as Ombudsman for foreign enterprises on March 16, said, “Foreign companies investing and operating in Korea have a significant impact on Korea’s economy. I expect that the Ombudsman will greatly help foreign companies unfamiliar with local laws and culture when they experience corruption or grievances but do not know where to file their case or face language barriers.”