Key science talent such as Fields Medal laureate June Huh will receive preferential treatment during immigration screening when entering South Korea.
The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) said Tuesday that a revised bill on the "Science and Engineering Support Act" containing these measures passed the Cabinet meeting. The bill had been approved by the National Assembly on Dec. 12.
The revision expands the scope of preferential immigration treatment, previously limited to individuals recognized for distinguished service in science and technology, to include active researchers and next-generation key talent. Eligible individuals include:
△ Recipients of internationally recognized science and technology awards, such as the Nobel Prize in science or the Fields Medal in mathematics
△ Recipients of science and technology medals or presidential citations in science and technology under the "Government Commendation Regulations"
△ Individuals who have contributed to economic and social development through the development or improvement of new technologies
△ Individuals with outstanding academic achievements, such as having papers published or cited in world-renowned academic journals
△ Individuals who have significantly contributed to broadening the base of science and technology through writing or lectures related to science and technology
△ Individuals recognized by the MSIT minister as having merit in science and technology development comparable to the above categories
The government established the policy to simplify immigration procedures, reflecting the growing frequency of international travel by science and engineering researchers due to the expansion of international joint research. The move aims to reduce inconvenience during screening and ensure continuity of research activities. The revised act will take effect six months after presidential approval and official promulgation.