Freshness tracker · KRSouth Korea

E-9 Employment Permit System expanded to restaurant industry

In force Labour

The E-9 EPS programme — historically restricted to manufacturing, agriculture, and certain other low-skill sectors — was expanded to include the restaurant industry from April 2024. Specifically targets cooks and kitchen-assistant roles in Korean restaurants, addressing chronic understaffing.

Who it affects

Restaurant employers and prospective E-9 workers from origin countries.

Sources

Primary: Korea Ministry of Justice ↗

Verified 2026-04-19 · methodology · report a correction