13 September 2023, Seoul-The Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office in Seoul conducted the "Palit-Visa Seminar" back-to-back with the "Information Session on Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP)" on 03 September 2023 at the Sentro Rizal Hall of the Philippine Embassy. The event was attended by around 100 OFWs including more than 100 online participants.

The program provides Filipino workers under Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS) with comprehensive information on how to plan and prepare for obtaining E7 visa (special occupation) from E9 (non-professional), and navigate the procedure for successfully availing of the KIIP, thereby optimizing opportunities for a longer and legal stay in South Korea.

According to Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega, the seminar is one of the most in-demand and well-attended information sessions for EPS workers, and is being conducted for the second time this year. "We are doing this, not only to enable our EPS workers to take full advantage of longer-term and productive employment opportunities in South Korea, but more importantly, to arm them with correct, clear, and authorized knowledge for it is with the right information that you can reap the corresponding benefits", the Ambassador said. She added that the success of the seminar also rests on the continued partnership of the Embassy with the Filipino community leaders and organizations, and resource persons who actively support its efforts for the development and welfare of OFWs.

Mr. Jang Manik, a government licensed administrative agent and representative of Visa Korea was the resource expert for the "Palit Visa Seminar". This session was streamed live on FB which garnered over 15,000 views.

Director Katherine Corteza of the Itaewon Global Village Center (IGVC), a long-time partner of the Embassy and MWO in Seoul in its Labor Education series, was the main speaker for the Information Session on the KIIP. The hands-on, step-by-step tutorial enabled each of the participants to register, enroll and/or schedule their participation in the upcoming KIIP, with the assistance of some Filipino community leaders and volunteers.

The Filipino community in Korea is enjoined to join upcoming information and labor education seminars to be announced through the Embassy webpage and FB pages. Interested persons may also view the recorded session on "Palit Visa Seminar" at the FB Page of Migrant Workers Office-Korea. END