Key Updates on Hiring Foreign Hotel Receptionists ⭐️
Hello from Kowork!
The government has recently relaxed employment criteria for the tourism and hotel industry and introduced a special program for international students.
These updates are designed to create more opportunities for both the hospitality industry and foreign students while enhancing global competitiveness.
Let’s dive into the details of these key changes! 😊
1. Relaxed Employment Criteria
The criteria for hiring foreign workers in tourism and hotel-related industries, such as general hotels, floating hotels, traditional Korean hotels, and family hotels, have been significantly eased.
- Previous Criteria:
- Hotels could hire foreign staff only if foreign guests made up more than 40% of their total annual guests.
- Updated Criteria:
- Foreign workers can now be employed if the percentage of foreign guests exceeds:
- 30% in metropolitan areas
- 15% in non-metropolitan areas
- 10% in depopulated areas
- Foreign workers can now be employed if the percentage of foreign guests exceeds:
This change opens new doors for hotels to hire foreign talent, strengthening their global customer service capabilities and enhancing competitiveness in the international market.
2. Introduction of the International Student Special Program
To support the employment of international students in Korea, the government has introduced a special E-7 visa program.
This is particularly beneficial for students majoring in tourism and hospitality.
- Eligibility:
- International students who have earned an associate degree or higher in tourism or hotel management from a Korean university.
- Benefits:
- Students can apply for an E-7 visa regardless of:
- The percentage of foreign guests.
- The maximum number of foreign workers allowed per hotel.
- Note: A recommendation letter from the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism is required.
- Students can apply for an E-7 visa regardless of:
This program is expected to pave the way for international students to join the Korean hospitality industry with ease. It will also provide a practical solution for hotels that previously struggled to meet strict employment conditions for hiring foreign staff.
3. Hotel Receptionists (Occupation Code: 3922): New Employment Standards and Special Benefits
The Hotel Receptionist position has been highlighted in this revision, with new employment standards and specific special allowances. Let’s break it down:
- Job Description:
- Managing guest check-ins and reservations.
- Welcoming and assisting guests.
- Providing various customer service support.
- Example Job Roles:
- Front Desk Staff
- Updated Employment Criteria:
- Foreign workers can be hired if the percentage of foreign guests exceeds the revised thresholds:
- 30% in metropolitan areas
- 15% in non-metropolitan areas
- 10% in depopulated areas
- Foreign workers can be hired if the percentage of foreign guests exceeds the revised thresholds:
- Hiring Limits:
- Up to 5 foreign staff per hotel.
- A nationwide limit of 400 foreign hires.
- Qualifications:
- Must meet academic requirements.
- Applicants with more than 5 years of experience in the field are not eligible.
- Recommendation Letter:
- Issued by the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (Tourism Industry Division).
This position is ideal for multilingual and customer service-savvy talent, especially in hotels catering to international guests.
Why These Changes Matter
These updates are crucial for strengthening Korea’s global competitiveness in the tourism and hospitality sectors. They also provide international students with new opportunities to build careers in Korea, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between the hospitality industry and foreign talent.
Partner with Kowork!
At Kowork, we specialize in connecting international talent with Korean businesses.
With these new updates, we’re ready to help hotels find the right talent and support students in achieving their employment goals in Korea. 😊
Take the first step towards success with Kowork! 🌏
