2 Sri Lankans granted long-term residency for rescuing Air Force pilots in 2022 crash

Seoul, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- Two of three Sri Lankans who aided in rescuing Air Force pilots from the Yellow Sea in 2022 have been granted long-term residency visas, the justice ministry announced. On Aug. 12, 2022, while aboard a fishing boat near Hwaseong, 45 kilometers south of Seoul, these foreigners spotted a crashed fighter jet due to an engine fire and successfully rescued the pilots alongside the South Korean ship captain.

The trio had been in South Korea under the Employment Permit System (E-9), which allowed for a maximum stay of four years and 10 months. Earlier on Friday, two of the Sri Lankans received skilled worker (E-7-4) residency status, while the third had already acquired long-term status. E-7-4 visa holders are granted initial permission for two years, with the ability to extend indefinitely in two-year increments.

The ministry granted these visas to acknowledge their exceptional contribution to national interest by saving a life in peril. Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho stated that the ministry will continue to support foreigners who have made significant contributions to society, ensuring their stable life in the country. In May, the men were given a letter of appreciation from the Air Force chief of staff.