Sri Lankan workers who rescued downed fighter pilot gain long-term residency in S. Korea

Two Sri Lankan workers who rescued Air Force pilots after their fighter jet crashed into the West Sea in 2022 have been granted the right to remain in South Korea long-term.

The Ministry of Justice said Friday it had awarded the two workers skilled worker (E-7-4) residency status.

The pair entered South Korea in April 2022 under the Employment Permit System (E-9 visa) and were working on a fishing vessel near Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, when they witnessed the accident on Aug. 12 of that year.

An Air Force fighter jet crashed into the sea after an engine fire, and the two workers, along with the vessel's captain, risked their own safety to locate and rescue the pilots.

The ministry's Immigration and Foreigners Policy Bureau recognized their exceptional contribution to the national interest in saving the pilots and granted them skilled worker status, which allows for long-term settlement in the country.

In recognition of their actions, the two had already received letters of commendation issued in the name of the Air Force Chief of Staff on World Foreigners Day last May.

Three Sri Lankan workers in total took part in the rescue. One had previously been granted long-term residency status, and the remaining two received the same designation Friday.

Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho said properly honoring the dedication of foreigners who saved Korean lives strengthens trust in Korean society. "We will continue to support foreigners who have made special contributions to our society so they can live stably in Korea," he said.