SEOUL: The Republic of Korea will create a new visa programme to attract foreign workers specialising in high-tech industries, the government said Thursday, as the country prepares for a society with a growing foreign population. Yonhap News Agency quoted Justice Minister Park Sung-jae as saying that the plan is part of a new immigration policy aimed at enhancing social cohesion amid a growing foreign community in the country. Currently, foreigners make up 2.61 million, or 5 percent, of the total population, and the ministry predicts the foreign population may exceed 3 million within five years. Under the policy, a "Top-Tier Visa" will be introduced to attract highly skilled foreign workers in high-tech sectors, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum technology and aerospace, by offering immigration and residency benefits. The justice ministry said the scope of the envisioned visa programmes will be determined through consultations with related government agencies. Source: Emirates News Agen cy