The South Korean Ministry of Justice has initiated a review of the 'regional visa for the shipbuilding industry' in response to concerns raised by President Lee Jae-myung regarding the exploitation of migrant workers at minimum wage during a period of labor shortages in the booming shipbuilding sector. Local labor unions and progressive political parties are advocating for the complete abolition of this system, highlighting the precarious conditions faced by these workers. On November 11, a policy meeting took place in Ulsan, where various stakeholders, including major shipbuilding companies and labor unions, discussed the implications of the regional visa system on local employment and economic conditions. In this meeting lasting over three hours, participants voiced differing perspectives on the issue. Labor unions argued that the influx of migrant workers should be reduced or eliminated to protect local jobs and enhance conditions for domestic workers, while representatives from the shipbuilding industry contended that without migrant labor, wage increases would be unfeasible. Ulsan city's administration echoed this sentiment, asserting that the regional visa is necessary to maintain workforce numbers in the shipbuilding sector amid extensive production demands. The regional visa system, which allows local governments to manage the hiring of migrant workers according to regional needs, has been in a pilot phase since last year. Ulsan and Gyeongnam provinces have approved a significant number of permits for various shipbuilding-related positions, reflecting the acute labor shortages that these industries are facing. However, criticisms from labor organizations and civil society highlight ongoing challenges, including poor working conditions, suggesting that the regional visa framework may reinforce existing labor inequalities in South Korea's crucial shipbuilding industry.