On April 15, 2025, the Small and Medium Enterprise Central Association released the findings of its '2025 Employment Permit System Satisfaction Survey', revealing that a significant 86.8% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are satisfied with the current Employment Permit System. This system allows companies that struggle to find domestic workers to legally employ foreign workers, helping to alleviate labor shortages in various sectors.
The survey, conducted from January to March 2025 among 1,177 SMEs utilizing foreign workers, indicated a generally positive assessment of the Employment Permit System. While the majority expressed satisfaction, some areas of concern were highlighted, particularly regarding the communication skills of foreign workers.
Among the companies surveyed, 31.6% reported that they found the application process to be complex. Additionally, 22.1% noted that the lengthy duration from application to the entry of foreign workers into the country was problematic. Issues with the business place change system were also a concern for 12.3% of respondents, signaling a need for improvements in these operational aspects.
Despite these concerns, the satisfaction level regarding foreign workers themselves was notably high at 79.1%. However, the survey found that 61.7% of respondents cited insufficient Korean language skills as a primary source of dissatisfaction. This was followed by 18.4% who expressed concerns over low productivity and attendance issues, and 12.9% who complained about unreasonable requests for changes in business locations.
One business owner shared their frustrations, stating, "Even if a worker's EPS-TOPIK (Foreign Workforce Korean Language Test) score is high, actual communication is difficult, making it hard to trust the score." Another echoed similar sentiments, mentioning the challenges posed by workers who frequently seek to change workplaces after quitting, which disrupts operations.
Moreover, there were comments regarding the inefficiency of the current administrative system, with some businesses noting that the division of responsibilities between the employment center and the immigration office hampers the effectiveness of foreign worker applications.
Lee Myung-ro, head of the Human Resource Policy Department at the Small and Medium Enterprise Central Association, commented on the survey results, emphasizing the overall satisfaction of SMEs with the Employment Permit System. He noted, "Many SMEs are utilizing foreign workers to address chronic labor shortages in the context of low birth rates and an aging population. It is essential to enhance the Korean language skills and work attitudes of foreign workers to improve productivity and efficiency in the workplace."
In response to the survey findings, the Small and Medium Enterprise Central Association plans to conduct the second round of applications for the Employment Permit System from April 21 to April 29, 2025. This initiative aims to continue supporting SMEs in their efforts to employ foreign workers legally and effectively.
As the employment landscape evolves, the need for skilled foreign labor remains critical, particularly in industries facing labor shortages. The findings from this survey underscore the importance of addressing communication barriers and streamlining administrative processes to ensure that both employers and foreign workers can thrive in the South Korean labor market.
