As Korean society struggles with the world's lowest birthrate and a rapidly aging population, Seoul has been making an ambitious pivot toward a more open immigration policy. The recent extension of visas for Filipino caregivers under a pilot program in Seoul signals a broader shift in the country's approach to foreign workers — one that could yield both domestic and diplomatic benefits if properly executed.

The caregiver program, while modest in scale, exemplifies Seoul's newfound commitment to addressing its demographic crisis through immigration. Under the Fourth Master Plan for Immigration Policy (2023-2027), the Korean government has initiated a comprehensive strategy to attract foreign professionals while fostering social cohesion between immigrants and native residents. The initiatives range from lowering naturalization barriers to allowing dual citizenship for exceptional experts, expanding investment migration opportunities and strengthening educational and job training programs for foreign residents.

For now, these efforts appear to be bearing fruit. According to the OECD's International Migration Outlook 2024, Korea achieved the second-highest increase in permanent-type migration among member states, with approximately 87,100 immigrants in 2023, surpassing even prepandemic levels. This surge aligns with South Korea's growing soft power, which has made it an increasingly attractive destination for international professionals.

The demographic challenges at the core of these........

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