Korea: New Visa Regulations for language teachers Face Skepticism

[Harold Schiffman]

New Visa Regulations Face Skepticism
By Kim Tae-jongStaff Reporter
New visa regulations came into effect Saturday, which requireforeigners to submit criminal record checks and health certificateswhen applying for a visa to get a job as a language instructor here.But the tightened regulations have faced a harsh response fromincumbent language teachers as well as applicants for the E-2 teachingvisa.  Most teachers denounce the move, saying that it will only makethe visa issuance procedure more complicated and create delays withoutmeeting the government's aim ― the screening of unqualified foreignlanguage teachers.  ``Screening and health checks will deter some, butthe rest of us honest teachers don't wish to be left hanging aroundfor months waiting for things to be finalized,'' said Kurt from SouthAfrica, who works at a language school in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province.``I'd rather go to China.''
Currently, there are over 170,000 foreign language instructors fromoverseas with the E-2 visa _ 6,700 from the Unites States and 5,000from Canada.
Before the changes, foreign language teachers could renew their visasby visiting a neighboring country and then return without additionaldocumentation. Now, they may have to wait a long time to obtain acriminal background check and make a long trip back to their homecountries to prepare the needed documents.
The new move was initiated by concerns over unqualified foreignlanguage teachers.
Last October, Interpol arrested a Canadian English instructor inThailand on charges of molesting juveniles. It was found that he hadworked at an international school in Gwangju here until Oct. 11 beforehe was arrested. In July, two Australian and Canadian Englishinstructors were punished on drug charges.
But most foreigners are skeptical about the effectiveness of the newregulations.
``What people don't realize is that this is a knee-jerk reaction basedon a pedophile, who was teaching in Korea but arrested in Thailand,who didn't even have a criminal record,'' English teacher Keith fromSeoul said. ``Sure there are some bad people out there. But why put usall into one category?''
As part of efforts to ease the discontent, the Ministry of Justice hasgranted a three-month grace period for current E-2 visa holders togive them more time to prepare the necessary documents.
The ministry also held a hearing Monday to explain details of thepolicy to foreign embassies in Seoul.
The meeting was attended by 10 officials from the embassies of theUnited States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland andSouth Africa. For smooth implementation, the ministry asked for theircooperation.
But regarding the move, most embassies basically showed a lukewarmstance as they cannot directly provide the required documents fortheir citizens due to administrative problems such as lack of manpowerand protection of privacy.
``Basically, it's up to the Korean government. Each individual shouldabide by the new law,'' an official from the Australian Embassy said.``All we can do now is to introduce our people to the changes and helpthem prepare for them.''
e3dward at koreatimes.co.kr
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2007/12/117_15585.html
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