What reports must a company file when it hires a foreign worker or when the worker leaves?

When a company hires or processes the resignation of a foreign worker under the Employment Permit System (E-9), it must report within 15 days of learning the reason for the change. If an employment change occurs, such as a worker leaving the workplace without permission, injury, death, or renewal of the labor contract, the company must report to the Employment Center (고용센터) or the Immigration Office (출입국관리사무소) within 15 days of learning the reason. If the company breaks this rule, it may be fined up to 1,000,000 KRW. The information below is for E-9 workplaces.

Cases that require a report

• When the labor contract is terminated (both resignation and dismissal)
• When the worker dies
• When the worker cannot keep working at that workplace because of injury or similar reasons
• When the worker is absent for 5 days or more without a proper procedure, or cannot be located
• When the employer or the name of the workplace changes
• When the business owner stays the same but only the work location changes

How to report

1. Document: Fill out the 'Report on Employment Changes of Foreign Workers' (외국인근로자 고용변동 등 신고서). If the workplace name or information has changed, use the 'Report on Changes in Workplace Information' (고용사업장 정보변동 신고서).
2. Where to submit: Submit it to the employment security agency (Employment Center) that has jurisdiction over the company's location. You may also report to the Ministry of Justice Immigration Office.
3. Deadline: Within 15 days from the day the reason occurs or the day you learn of it.

💡 Good to know

• When you renew a labor contract, there are extra steps. You must apply to extend the employment permit validity period at least 7 days before the contract expires. You submit the extension application and a copy of the renewed labor contract.
• The worker must also get an extension permit from Immigration before the period of stay ends.
• After the worker leaves the job, the worker applies to the Employment Center for a workplace change. The application validity period is 1 month after leaving, and the job-seeking validity period is 3 months. So a late resignation report can also be a disadvantage to the worker.

You can get the report forms from the Korea Law Information Center (국가법령정보센터, law.go.kr) or EPS (eps.go.kr). Please check the exact procedure once more with your local Employment Center or the Foreigner Help Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).