The Turning Point in International Migration and Economic Development in Korea

Abstract

Korea passed its turning point in international labor migration in the 1990s, largely due to government policies aimed at rapid economic development, industrial upgrading and coping with demographic change. From the 1960s to the 1980s, international migration was initiated and pursued by the government, bringing in remittances which improved the balance of payments and helped fund investment projects necessary for industrial upgrading. Rapid upgrading, coupled with demographic and social changes, have led to a need for unskilled foreign workers on a large scale. With a large influx of illegal workers, the Korean government now faces changing its policy to allow unskilled workers to enter the country.