South Korea Grants Long-Term Residency to Sri Lankan Workers Who Rescued Air Force Pilots

by KWONKYUHONG Posted : August 21, 2026, 15:08Updated : August 21, 2026, 15:08

The Ministry of Justice has granted long-term residency status to two Sri Lankan workers for their role in rescuing Air Force pilots whose lives were in danger after a crash.


On August 21, the Ministry announced that it recognized the special contributions of the two Sri Lankan nationals who rescued the pilots of an Air Force fighter jet that crashed in the West Sea in August 2022. They were awarded the Skilled Worker Visa (E-7-4) to allow them to reside in South Korea more securely.


The workers entered South Korea in April 2022 under the Employment Permit System (E-9). On August 12 of the same year, while working near Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, they discovered the pilots after their jet crashed due to an engine fire and assisted in their rescue alongside the vessel's captain. Their efforts were recognized with a letter of appreciation from the Chief of Staff of the Air Force during the World Day for Cultural Diversity on May 20.


In light of their significant contribution to the national interest by rescuing the endangered pilots, the Ministry of Justice's Immigration and Foreign Policy Bureau decided to grant these foreign workers the long-term residency status as skilled workers (E-7-4).


Minister of Justice Jeong Seong-ho stated, "Recognizing the dedication of foreigners who save lives enhances trust in our society. We will continue to support foreigners who make special contributions to our community, ensuring they can live stably in South Korea."





* This article has been translated by AI.