Justice Ministry Grants Residency Status to Sri Lankan Workers Who Rescued Air Force Pilot

Special Contribution to the National Interest Recognized

The Ministry of Justice announced on August 21, 2026 that it had granted Skilled Worker (E-7-4) residence status to two Sri Lankan workers who rescued a Republic of Korea Air Force fighter pilot that had crashed into the West Sea in August 2022, allowing them to remain in Korea.

Ministry of Justice Building in Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News

These individuals entered Korea in April 2022 under the Employment Permit System (E-9). While working near the coast of Hwaseong City, Gyeonggi Province on August 12 of the same year, they rescued, together with the captain, an Air Force fighter pilot whose plane had crashed due to an engine fire.

In recognition of their meritorious act, they were awarded a certificate of appreciation signed by the Air Force Chief of Staff on World Day for Cultural Diversity, May 20, 2026.

The Immigration and Foreign Policy Headquarters of the Ministry of Justice decided to grant the Skilled Worker (E-7-4) status, which allows for long-term residence in Korea, to these foreign workers in recognition of their special contribution to Korea's national interest by rescuing a pilot in danger.

Justice Minister Jeong Sungho stated, “Offering due respect to foreigners who have saved the lives of our citizens builds trust in our society. We will continue to support foreign nationals who have made special contributions to our society, enabling them to live stably in Korea.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.