○ Lee Kwi-nam, the Minister of Justice, announced recent improvement of immigration related policy with the completion of amendment of relevant laws for putting in effect the Korea Immigration Act which was revised in May and has been in effect from 15th November this year.

○ Until now, in case foreign professionals working in Korea change work place or intend to work at different place other than the initial one, they had to obtain a permission in advance from the head of immigration office concerned, but now they only have to give a notice to the office head later.

○ The employer once had to give a notice to the office head within 15 days in case foreign workers change one working place to another business place of the same company; however, the employer's obligation of reporting was abolished, which will promote to best use foreign workers and thus facilitate convenience of civil affairs.

○ Furthermore, in case any registered foreigners staying in Korea on a long-term basis more than 91 days departed from Korea and re-entered Korea within the permitted period of stay had to obtain re-entry permission before departure. But from '10.12.01, if the period of stay outside Korea is within one year, foreigners concerned will be exempted from re-entry permission.

○ In the past the one who intended to be issued the Certificate of the Facts on Entry and Departure had to visit distant located immigration office, or apply for the Certificate through the fax and wait for a long time in town and village offices; however, from 15th November, direct issuance of the Certificate is made possible from city, county, metropolitan district offices and town and village offices.

○ In addition, the authority to review and recognize refugee status which once belonged to the Justice Minister is transferred to Seoul Immigration Office, which makes it possible to shorten the time required from more than 12 months to less than 6 months. Furthermore, relevant regulations were amended for broadening the participation of nongovernmental members of the committee for refugees and requesting civil expert as a chairman of the committee in oder to strengthen justice and independence of reviewing refugee status.