Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon met with international students at KAIST, promising more visa support for students in science and technology.

Han said the Justice Ministry will roll out visa policies for international students studying science and technology at KAIST's campus in Daejeon on Tuesday.

"For international students in their 20s to stay in Korea until they are in their 60s and 70s while contributing to Korea's growth in science and technology, we need to offer them groundbreaking benefits," Han said.

He added, "Starting with the fast-track program announced in January, we plan to soon announce eased visa policies for talented students in science and tech, taking opinions of students we heared today into consideration."

"We will do our best so that talented individuals like [KAIST students] will not have to worry about visas as long as they want to study, research and work in Korea."

The ministry created a fast-track program for students in science and technology in January, which includes those from universities such as KAIST, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology, the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology and the Korea National University of Science and Technology.

Those with a master's degree or a doctorate from the five universities and get a letter of recommendation from the university president can get the F-2 residency visa immediately after graduation.

Students can get the F-5 permanent residency visa if they continue their research for three years, with those producing outstanding research outcomes granted Korean nationality.

Han also said in the meeting that the ministry further aims to offer more benefits, such as offering visas for science and tech talents to bring their families to work in Korea.

BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]