Comments on: More Visa Stuff

By: SomeguyinKorea

SomeguyinKorea — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:10:56 +0000

“Also, I never insinuated that this was Korea’s way of easing immigration policies in the U.S. That is your take, not mine and I don’t think that is the really the case here.”

Neither mine. I was being sardonic.

By: jodi

jodi — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:00:44 +0000

Well, for what it’s worth, I had to take an HIV test and full physical for two non-E2 visa jobs I had in Korea and I had also had to go through a criminal background check for one of them as well. In fact, I went through two background checks: one from the US side and one through the KCIA.

(I also had to go through the same regulations as an American seeking a work visa in Europe and Central Asia, too.)

I agree with most people on the issue: the new regulations will probably work against Korea in this regard but I was just trying to point out that Korea is not the only country asking foreigners to undergo such tests and checks and E2 visas are not the only jobs in Korea that demand such things.

Also, I never insinuated that this was Korea’s way of easing immigration policies in the U.S. That is your take, not mine and I don’t think that is the really the case here.

By: Sperwer

Sperwer — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 05:05:35 +0000

the North Koreans are already floating their own version of an economic hub.

Good Luck with that!

ROTFLMAO

By: R. Elgin

R. Elgin — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 04:08:34 +0000

. . . Let’s see, tighter visa requirements, no int’l adoptions, send the troops back to the US and spread bullcrap through the media about how nasty and dangerous us foreigners are. Gotta love that international hub.

The North Koreans would *love* this. I know the North Koreans are already floating their own version of an economic hub.

By: adhaglin

adhaglin — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 03:46:41 +0000

i don’t think most people would really take issue with korea requiring an hiv test for people seeking resident or immigrant status. that’s certainly their right. however, that’s not what they’re doing. they’re only requiring it of e-2 visa holders. furthermore, it’s not required of koreans hoping to work in equivalent positions. likewise with the drug-testing. therefore, it’s prejudicial and insulting. i guess i don’t have much problem with degree certifications, as ridiculous as they may seem, because they are generally required of koreans as well, and it seems to be a legitimate (or at least somewhat larger) problem, unlike the hiv and drug testing, which is clearly the result of xenophobia-baiting journalism.

By: Wedge

Wedge — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 03:29:15 +0000

#10: That guy was a Korean passport holder with American characteristics (i.e. he had spent some time in the U.S.). Since he was a negative character, the local media played up the American part. If he had been a sports hero, you wouldn’t have heard about the American part.

Regarding the new rules, once the hagwon association makes the right payments to the right ministry officials these requirements will quietly fade away. I’d be surprised to see this intact at the same time next year. Either that, or keeping up with the Kims is going to get a whole lot more expensive.

By: Breaktrack

Breaktrack — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 02:46:01 +0000

In the end it’s going to hurt them. They’ll have to live with the consequences, but no doubt blame someone else.

Most people I talk to feel that Korean xenophobia is the real issue here. Last year it was foriegn business, now it’s English teachers.

The whole pedophile, drug taking, arms dealing evil English teacher thing is just an excuse.

One of the last pedophiles do be caught here was a Korean-American teaching in a English village if I remember correctly.

By: MrMao

MrMao — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 01:46:07 +0000

“If so, then the new law is an even dumber idea than I had originally thought because they’ve soured their relations with 7 other countries in the process.”

7 other countries Koreans couldn’t find on a map if you paid them in kimchi.

By: Zonath

Zonath — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 01:22:32 +0000

#6 - The Herald is quoting the figure @ about 17,000 E-2 visa holders, which would also include non-English teachers on that visa, presumably. So the figure of 170,000 is almost certainly a misprint. Too bad the Times is edited by monkeys.

By: SomeguyinKorea

SomeguyinKorea — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 01:18:30 +0000

#5,

So, you’re saying that the new E2 visa regulations may have more than a little something to do with pressuring the US to ease visa regulations for Koreans? If so, then the new law is an even dumber idea than I had originally thought because they’ve soured their relations with 7 other countries in the process.