Republic of Korea (South) - COUNTRY PROFILE
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
COUNTRY PROFILE
Republic of Korea (South)
1. Overview
2. Community in Australia REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH)
3. Permanent migration Capital city: Seoul
4. Temporary entry Population 2013: 48.6 million
5. Permanent departures Main languages: Korean
6. State and territory summary Monetary unit: Korean Won
Explanatory notes
Further reading
Statistical tables
1. Overview
With a land area less than half that of Victoria and a population of almost 50 million, South Korea has one of
the world's highest population densities. This factor has contributed to an international Korean diaspora of
around seven million people, with most settling in the United States of America, China or Japan. More
recently, however, significant numbers of Korean nationals have chosen to live in Australia. The main route
for these migrants is the Skill Stream, which accounted for 75 per cent of permanent visas granted to
South Korean nationals in 2012–13.
South Korea has a relatively high gross domestic product per capita, which on a purchasing power parity
basis is three-quarters of Australia’s. While this makes South Korea wealthy by Asian standards, the state
of its economy could also be a significant motivator for migration. South Korea is highly dependent on
manufacturing exports, which can be volatile in times of economic uncertainty. Another factor is a high level
of domestic competition for skilled work due to its highly educated workforce.
A summary measure of wellbeing is the Human Development Index (HDI), produced by the United Nations.
The HDI is a composite measure of three dimensions of human development—health, education and
income. Australia ranks very high on this measure, with a 2012 score of 0.94, second only to Norway.
Table 1
In 2012, South Korea’s HDI was 0.90, giving the country an international ranking of 12 out of 186 countries.
The HDI of East Asia and the Pacific in 2012 was 0.68, placing South Korea well above the regional
average. South Korea also ranked slightly above the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development average of 0.89 in 2012.2. Community in Australia
At the end of June 2011, 97 600 South Korean-born people were living in Australia, 62 per cent more than
at 30 June 2006. This is equivalent to 1.6 per cent of Australia’s overseas born population and 0.4 per cent
of Australia’s total population.
For Australia’s Korean-born migrants:
- The median age of 30.0 years was seven years below that of the general population.
- Females slightly outnumbered males—52 per cent compared with 48 per cent.
- In August 2013, 42 000 Korea-born people were working in Australia. Their main
occupations were labourers (20 per cent) and technicians and trades workers
(19 per cent).
- The unemployment rate at August 2013 was 6.4 per cent—this well above the national
rate of 5.8 per cent.
- Their labour force participation rate at August 2013 was low at 61 per cent compared
to the national average of 65 per cent.
3. Permanent migration
Permanent additions to the Australian population
Permanent additions are the sum of those granted a permanent residency visa while in Australia, and those
granted a visa through an Australian mission abroad, who have entered Australia during the respective
reporting period. In 2012–13, there were 5497 South Korean-born permanent additions to the Australian
resident population. Among these new additions the:
- Skill Stream comprised 1959 skilled migrants and 1793 accompanying family members
and accounted for 68 per cent of all permanent additions.
- Family Stream comprised 1316 migrants and accounted for 24 per cent of all
permanent additions.
- Non-programme migration of South Korean-born New Zealand citizens and Special
Eligibility entrants accounted for 7.4 per cent of permanent additions.Permanent migration visas granted
Table 2 & 4
Permanent migration refers to the number of visas granted in any given year, without taking into account
whether the visa recipient actually arrived and settled in Australia. A total of 5258 South Korean nationals
were granted a permanent visa through the Migration Programme in 2012–13, with the Skill Stream
accounting for 75 per cent of the visas granted.
Skilled migration
Skilled migration focuses on facilitating the permanent entry of those who can make a positive contribution
to Australia through their skills, qualifications, entrepreneurial spirit and employment potential. In 2012–13:
- 128 973 skilled visas were granted, with grants to South Korean nationals accounting
for 3.0 per cent (3933 grants) of the total. This made South Korea the ninth largest
provider of Skill stream migrants to Australia in 2012–13.
- Skilled migration remained the main route for South Korean nationals seeking
permanent residency in Australia with the Skill Stream accounting for 75 per cent of all
permanent visas granted to South Korean nationals.
- The number of South Korean nationals coming through the Skill Stream grew by
7.2 per cent, larger than the 2.6 per cent growth in the total number of permanent Skill
Stream entrants.
- The number of South Korean nationals entering on Points Tested Skilled Migration
visas rose by 14 per cent. Most of this rise can be attributed to a 30 per cent increase
in Skilled Independent visas in 2012–13. Cooks, registered nurses and hairdressers
were the main occupations among these skilled migrants.
- There continued to be substantial growth (215 grants) in the number of Employer
Sponsored visas granted to Korean nationals – 12 per cent up on 2011–12. Employer
Sponsorship represented 53 per cent of Korean skilled visas in 2012–13, well up on its
35 per cent share in 2009–10.
Family migration
Family migration facilitates the entry of close family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents
and eligible New Zealand citizens. The programme is currently dominated by Partners and dependent
children, but also provides options for other family members, such as Carers, Parents and Aged Dependent
Relatives.
- In 2012–13, 60 185 Family visas were granted, with grants to South Korean nationals
accounting for 2.1 per cent (1263 grants) of the total. Among the South Korean cohort,
the largest proportions were granted to the partners of Australian residents, making up
81 per cent of the family visas granted.
- In 2012–13, 24 per cent of permanent visas granted to South Korean nationals were
through the Family Stream.4. Temporary entry
Temporary entry visas granted
Table 3 & 4
In 2012–13, 213 684 temporary entry visas granted to South Korean nationals, with visitors accounting for
76 per cent of the visas granted.
International students
The Student visa programme consists of a range of visa categories that broadly correspond to education
sectors. Students must study with an education provider and in a course registered on the Commonwealth
Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.
In 2012–13, 259 278 visas were granted to international students. This was a 2.5 per cent increase on the
previous year, but still 18.9 per cent below the record 319 632 visas granted in 2008–09. The decreases in
Student visa numbers in 2009–10 and 2010–11 followed 11 consecutive years of growth in the visa
programme and coincided with a number of factors. These factors included: on-going global financial
uncertainty; college closures; the rising value of the Australian dollar; changes to improve the integrity of the
programme; and reforms to the Skilled Migration programme. A consequence of this low level is that the
stock of international students continued to fall. At 30 June 2013 there were 304 230 international students
in Australia, 21 per cent lower than 30 June 2010.
- As at 30 June 2013, 16 090 South Korean Student visa holders were in Australia, a
4.6 per cent fall on the previous year. South Korean students represent 5.3 per cent of
all international students in Australia, making South Korea the fourth largest source of
international students to Australia, behind China, India and Vietnam.
- After the United States of America, Japan and Canada, Australia is the fourth most
popular tertiary study destination for international students originating from
South Korea. In 2011, 5.7 per cent of all South Korean international tertiary students
chose Australia.
- In 2012–13, 12 942 Student visas were granted to South Koreans, representing a
4.3 per cent rise (535 persons) on the previous year. This is above the 2.5 per cent
increase in total student visas over the same period.
- Grants to students enrolling in a higher education course accounted for 28 per cent of
grants, while a further 43 per cent of visas were granted to those intending on pursuing
a Vocational Education and Training course.Business (Long Stay) (subclass 457) workers
The subclass 457 visa programme allows Australian employers to sponsor foreign workers for employment
in management, professional, technical and skilled trades’ positions. The programme is demand-driven and
highly responsive to Australian labour market conditions. In 2012–13 demand for this visa remained high
with grants increasing from 125 070 in 2011–12 to 126 350 – an 86 per cent rise since 2009–10.
- Grants to South Korean nationals grew by 56 per cent—from 1810 grants in 2011–12
to 2820 grants in 2012–13.
- The main occupations of Korean workers sponsored under this programme were:
cooks, contract, programme and project administrators and café and restaurant
managers.
Visitors
In 2012–13, 162 702 Visitor visas were granted to South Korean citizens, making South Korea the seventh
largest source of visitors to Australia in this period. The vast majority of temporary entrants from
South Korea were visitors here for a holiday or short business visit.
Working Holiday Maker Programme
Australia has reciprocal Working Holiday visa arrangements with many countries, including South Korea.
Working Holiday visa holders who have completed specified work in an eligible regional Australian area for
a minimum of three months while on their first Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa may be eligible for a
second Working Holiday visa.
- Working Holiday visa arrangements with South Korea started on 1 July 1995, and in
2012–13 represented Australia’s second largest source of initial working holiday
makers after the United Kingdom with 29 614 new visas granted – a rise of
8.1 per cent since 2011−12. Additionally, 5606 second Working Holiday visas were
granted to Korean nationals in 2012–13.
- While South Korea is a major provider of working holiday makers to Australia, the
number of South Korean nationals coming through this programme fluctuated in recent
years, falling 12 per cent between 2009−10 and 2010−11 before rising by 15 per cent
over the next two financial years.5. Permanent departures
Table 5
In 2012–13, 898 South Korea-born permanent residents indicated at departure that they were leaving
Australia permanently, with 69 per cent indicating they intended to return to South Korea. Of these
emigrants:
- approximately 17 per cent were professionals and another 15 per cent mangers.
- 64 per cent were emigrating from New South Wales.
6. State and territory summary
Table 5
New South Wales was the most popular state of residence for Koreans in Australia. At the time of the 2011
Census 56 per cent of South Korea-born migrants lived in New South Wales, well ahead of Queensland
and Victoria with 17 per cent and 14 per cent respectively.
New South Wales was also a popular destination for new migrants, accounting for 40 per cent of skilled
migrants and 49 per cent of family migrants in 2012–13. South Korean students also showed a preference
for New South Wales, with 43 per cent enrolled in an academic institution based in that state, while
47 per cent of subclass 457 visa workers were sponsored for employment in New South Wales.Explanatory notes
I. Unemployment rates for individual migrant countries are calculated from the
monthly Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force survey (using published and
unpublished data) and have been averaged across twelve months to account for
monthly fluctuations and a small sample size. The national unemployment rate is
the seasonally adjusted figure for August 2013.
II. Australian residents are Australian citizens who reside in Australia and other
permanent residents.
III. Points Tested Skilled Migration is the sum of total Skilled Regional, Skilled
Independent and State/Territory Nominated visas.
IV. Emigration is the number of persons who reported on their overseas departure
card that they were leaving Australia permanently.
Further reading
This country profile was prepared using information and statistics collated by the Department of Immigration
and Border Protection, and commentary extracted from the following publications:
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
See: Country, economy and regional information
Department of Immigration and Border Protection
See: Community Information Summaries
International Monetary Fund
See: Country Information
Central Intelligence Agency
See: World Fact Book
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
See: Education at a Glance 2013: OECD Indicators
United Nations Development Programme
See: Human Development Report 2013
World Bank
See: The Migration and Remittances Fact book 2011Statistical tables – South Korea Table 1: Economic and Human Development Indicators, 2013 Indicator Australia South Korea Adult literacy (%) 99.0 97.9 Fertility rates (children per female) 1.9 1.4 GDP per capita PPP (current international $) 44 074 33 580 Life expectancy at birth (years) 82 80.7 Mean years of schooling 12.0 11.6 Human Development Index 0.938 0.909 Median age (years) 36.9 37.9 Population (millions) 22.9 48.6 Population growth (%) 1.8 0.5 Source: Most data in this table comes from the UNDP Human Development Report 2013, the CIA World Fact book and, the International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook Database April 2013. Data on the size, growth and median age of Australia’s population was sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Table 2: Number of persons (South Korean nationals) granted a permanent Australian visa, 2009−10 to 2012−13 Permanent visa 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 Skilled migration Business Innovation and Investment 458 641 310 159 Distinguished Talent 13 2 19 11 Employer Sponsored 1 102 1 309 1 858 2 073 Points Tested Skilled Migration Skilled Regional 51 211 223 204 Skilled Independent 991 688 986 1 280 State/Territory Nominated 535 431 274 206 Total: Skilled visa grants 3 150 3 282 3 670 3 933 Skilled visas as a proportion of all permanent visas (%) 72.4 75.9 75.3 74.8 Family migration Child 84 74 80 58 Partner 880 792 845 1 025 Parent 192 118 135 158 Other Family 21 32 48 22 Total: Family visa grants 1 177 1 016 1 108 1 263 Family visas as a proportion of all permanent visas (%) 27.1 23.5 22.7 24.0 Special Eligibility 23 28 96 62 Total: Permanent migrants 4 350 4 326 4 874 5 258 Source: Internal data collected by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection
Table 3: Number of persons (South Korean nationals) granted a temporary Australian visa, 2009−10 to 2012−13 Temporary visa 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 International Students English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students 3 957 2 707 2 159 2 666 Schools 1 409 954 749 657 Vocational Education and Training 5 246 4 357 4 588 5 595 Higher Education 5 343 4 858 4 473 3 641 Postgraduate Research 152 101 118 97 Non-Award 307 261 320 284 AusAID/Defence 2 0 0 2 Total: International Student visa grants 16 416 13 238 12 407 12 942 Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457) 800 1 120 1 810 2 820 Visitors Tourist 156 465 165 106 156 636 148 018 Business visitor 7 978 12 342 12 009 14 669 Medical Treatment 26 16 18 15 Total: Visitor visa grants 164 469 177 464 168 663 162 702 Working Holiday Maker Programme Initial 28 280 25 433 27 397 29 614 Extension 6 583 5 094 5 194 5 606 Total: Working Holiday visa grants 34 863 30 527 32 591 35 220 Source: Internal data collected by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection
Table 4: Main occupations among those South Korean nationals granted a permanent −
unsponsored (Points Tested) or temporary work − sponsored (subclass 457) visa, 2011−12 to
2012−13
Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457) Points Tested Skilled Migration
Cooks 140 Cooks 360
Contract, programme and project administrators 130 Registered nurses 110
Cafe and restaurant managers 90 Hairdressers 100
Advertising and marketing professionals 90 Accountants 90
2012–13 Structural steel and welding trades workers 60 Bakers and pastrycooks 60
Chefs 50 Software and applications programmers 40
Call or contact centre and customer service
50 Pharmacists 20
managers
Welfare, recreation and community arts
Retail managers 40 10
workers
Advertising, public relations and sales managers 40 Civil engineering professionals 10
Civil engineering professionals 40 Dental practitioners 10
Cooks 100 Cooks 220
Advertising and marketing professionals 80 Accountants 100
Structural steel and welding trades workers 60 Bakers and pastrycooks 80
Contract, programme and project administrators 50 Hairdressers 70
2011–12 Wall and floor tilers 40 Registered nurses 70
Dental hygienists, technicians and therapists 30 Software and applications programmers 60
Chefs 30 Motor mechanics 20
Registered nurses 30 ICT business and systems analysts 20
Dental hygienists, technicians and
Motor mechanics 20 10
therapists
Industrial, mechanical and production
University lecturers and tutors 20 10
engineers
Source: Internal data collected by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection
Table 5: National geographical distribution, by South Korean-born and South Korean nationals
National geographic distribution NSW Vic. Qld SA WA Tas. NT ACT
Per cent
Proportion of all persons counted in the Census, 2011 32 25 20 7 10 2 1 2
Proportion of all South Korean-born counted in the
56 14 17 5 5 1 0 2
Census, 2011
Geographical distribution, permanent additions, 2012−13
Skill Stream (primary) 40 11 23 6 13 1 1 5
Skill Stream (dependent) 43 13 19 6 13 1 1 4
Family Stream 49 15 19 5 9 1 1 2
Geographical distribution, temporary entrants, 2012−13
International students 43 17 24 5 5 1 0 4
Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457) visa (primary) 47 16 14 1 19 0 0 2
Permanent departures
All South Korean-born permanent residents 64 8 18 3 5 1 0 3
Source: Information on migrants has come from internal data collected by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
Information on the geographical distribution of the total population was sourced from the 2011 Census of Population and Housing.Table 6: South Korea’s migration ranking relative to other countries
Migration ranking 2011–12 2012–13
Population in Australia 14 12
Points Tested Skilled Migration 12 11
Employer Sponsored 7 7
Total Skill Stream 9 9
Total Family Stream 8 8
International students 3 3
Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457) visa 13 8
Visitors 6 7
Source: All information refers to the number of visas granted that year and was sourced from internal data collected by the D epartment
of Immigration and Border Protection, except for population in Australia which is sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and
refers to the stock of overseas-born persons in Australia at the time.
Produced by the Economic Analysis Unit
Department of Immigration and Border Protection
© Commonwealth of Australia, 2013
ABN: 33 380 054 835You can also read
