Seoul’s Proposal to Hire Foreign Bus Drivers Denied
Passengers walk on a bus platform in central Seoul on Nov. 20. [NEWS1]
The Ministry of Employment and Labor has rejected a proposal by the Seoul city government to issue E-9 visas for foreign bus drivers, citing several concerns. The decision, announced on Sunday, comes a month after Seoul’s request to expand eligibility for the E-9 visa program. E-9 visas are currently available exclusively for non-professional employees in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and customer service.
The ministry cited multiple reasons for its decision, including the need for specific driver’s licenses and ample driving experience. “It is difficult to issue E-9 visas to foreign drivers,” explained a ministry official.
“Those who obtain their driver’s licenses for large vehicles usually require an additional year of practical experience to qualify as bus drivers.”
The issuance of E-9 visas in this case would also necessitate recognizing foreign driving licenses as equivalent to Korean licenses – a complex and potentially controversial undertaking.
Not formally recognizing foreign qualifications is further supported by the
enforcement decree of the Immigration Act, which explicitly excludes jobs requiring specialized licenses or prior experience, from eligibility for E-9 visas.
“Bus drivers should possess strong communication and crisis management skills, as their duties directly impact public safety,” the official stated. ”
They constantly interact with passengers,
and their roles demand a high level of responsibility.”
The ministry acknowledges the challenge of addressing the bus driver shortage but maintains that it requires a more nuanced approach than simply expanding visa programs.
“Green-lighting this request would be difficult at this juncture, requiring further comprehensive review,” the official clarified.
“This issue necessitates a long-term strategy.”
This position will be formally documented and sent to the Office for Government Policy Coordination, which initially received the city’s proposal and sought clarification from the Labor Ministry
“Community bus drivers are not simply workers; they play a crucial role in our communities,”
Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo recently emphasized.
“They require significant language proficiency and two licenses – a driver’s license for large vehicles, and a separate bus driver’s license.”
The Korean Automobile and Transport Workers’ Federation expressed reservations regarding the initial proposition, attributing the current labor shortage to low wages and demanding improved working conditions as a more sustainable solution.
They believe addressing underlying worker concerns should take precedence over relying on foreign laborers.
The Seoul government responded to the ministry by stating it would adhere to the decision.
What are the main challenges Seoul faces in recruiting and retaining qualified bus drivers?
## Seoul’s Struggle to Find Bus Drivers
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is Dr. Kim Min-jun, a labor economics expert at Seoul National University. Dr. Kim, Seoul’s proposal to hire foreign bus drivers using E-9 visas has been denied by the Ministry of Employment and Labor. What are your thoughts on this development?
**Dr. Kim:** This decision highlights a growing tension in Seoul’s public transportation system. The recent bus driver strike [[1](https://time.com/6961387/seoul-bus-drivers-strike-wages/)]demonstrated the significant pressure on wages and working conditions.
Hiring foreign drivers was seen as a potential solution to driver shortages and service disruptions. However, the Ministry of Employment and Labor has raised valid concerns regarding licensing requirements and experience levels.
**Host:** Could you elaborate on the challenges of verifying foreign driving licenses and experience?
**Dr. Kim:** Absolutely. Recognizing foreign driving licenses as equivalent to Korean licenses is a complex bureaucratic process [Context: based on the provided text], and there are concerns about maintaining safety standards. Ensuring that foreign drivers possess the necessary experience and specialized training for navigating Seoul’s unique traffic conditions is also crucial.
**Host:** So, what options are left for Seoul to address this driver shortage?
**Dr. Kim:** This situation demands a multi-faceted approach. Seoul needs to continue working with the Ministry on developing clearer guidelines for potential visa programs tailored specifically for bus drivers.
Simultaneously, investing in improving working conditions, benefits, and wages for local drivers is essential to attract and retain qualified individuals.
**Host:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Kim. This is a complex issue, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.
