South Korea grants long-term visas to Sri Lankan rescuers

South Korea’s Justice Ministry has granted long-term skilled-worker visas to two Sri Lankan migrant workers who rescued two Air Force pilots four years ago. The rescue occurred on August 12, 2022, off the coast of Hwaseong, when the workers spotted a fighter jet that had crashed in the Yellow Sea following an engine fire. Working with their vessel’s captain, the men pulled the pilots from the water to safety.

The two men have been granted E-7-4 skilled-worker status, which allows them to remain in the country for initial two-year periods with the ability to renew indefinitely. This provides a stable residency pathway compared to their previous E-9 temporary worker status, which is limited to approximately four years and 10 months. A third rescuer from the same incident had already obtained long-term residency.

Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho stated that the ministry will continue to support foreigners who make “exceptional contribution to the national interest” to ensure they can live stably in the country. The decision follows a letter of appreciation issued to the men by the Air Force chief of staff in May.