Korean E2 Visa Changes – What’s The Story?

 

 

Christopher Paul Neil
In response to the pedophile case involving Christopher Paul Neil, a Canadian ESL teacher in Korea, the Korean government has decided to enact some rather hasty immigration regulation changes relating to E2 visa eligibility (required by foreign teachers in Korea). I’m not going to go into great detail as the proposed changes have been the subject of much debate and discussion elsewhere – see Daves ESL Cafe .

It seems that that all new teachers will now be required to produce a criminal record check from their native country, a medical report (presumably checking for drugs and HIV) together with attending an interview at a Korean consulate in their native country. I guess the latter is to determine the suitability of a potential candidate for a teaching post although how this will actually work I’m unclear.

Teachers already in Korea will I assume be exempt from the interview process and will be able to take a medical check in Korea. Although this is not certain because there has been talk that all teachers will have to return to their ‘hometowns’ for both the interview and medical (the latter requiring confirmation by a Korean doctor on return to Korea!).

In short, nobody seems to know the precise details with any degree of clarity including the local immigration department that I was in contact with on the subject just over a week ago. I find this incredible considering the significant impact these changes will have on teachers in the process of coming to Korea or who are just about to renew their present contracts. It really is a complete shambles from an organizational point of view and more a ‘knee jerk’ reaction to public opinion rather than a well thought out strategy.

I agree that it’s a good idea for teachers to provide criminal record histories in order to ensure they have no previous convictions that would make them unsuitable for their posts. I’m still undecided about the medical check requirement and feel a little uneasy about this as it almost smacks of human rights infringement.

It is clear that these changes need to be clarified and announced in a definite and coherent statement of fact rather than filtered through message forums, newspaper articles and word of mouth. I’ve started the criminal record check paperwork but have been told that it could take up to 12 weeks to process. It’s just fortunate that time is on my side unlike the case for many others I’m sure.

Oh and I forgot to mention the ‘apostille’ now required on all degree certificates (apparently but again who knows?). This all takes time so at least afford us that!

Perhaps ironically, Christopher Paul Neil had no criminal record in Canada and to my knowledge was in perfect physical health as well as holding academic qualifications to which he was entitled.