Prime Minister Han Duck-soo says the government will consult with the justice ministry and consider expanding the scope of the E-7 visa for professional workers, if the shipbuilding industry deems it necessary. 

Han made the remark during a news conference on Wednesday when asked how the government plans to address the industry’s labor shortage. 

His comments came as incoming U.S. President Donald Trump has stressed the need for Seoul and Washington to cooperate closely on ship exports, maintenance and repairs. 

Han said it would be undesirable if the shipbuilding industry could not capitalize on a boom due to a labor shortage.

Shipbuilding companies have repeatedly called on the government to increase the supply of foreign professional workers.

They face difficulty finding local labor due to the nation’s low birth rate and aging society, coupled with the perception that work at shipyards is more dangerous than other manufacturing work.