Seoul City has taken steps to hire foreigners to drive town or community buses. 

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Monday that it submitted an official proposal to the Office for Government Policy Coordination on October 28 that E-9 visas also be issued for work in the transportation service industries and that holders of such visas be allowed to work for up to five years instead of three. 

The labor ministry is said to be looking over the proposal after receiving it from the policy coordination office. 

It marks the first time the Seoul government is highlighting the issue of introducing foreign bus drivers, although bus companies have repeatedly suggested bringing in foreign drivers as a solution to the labor shortage. 

Currently, E-9 visas are issued for foreign nationals doing nonprofessional work in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and livestock farming.

The labor ministry said it will carefully consider the proposal after taking into consideration the qualifications and skills required, as well as the nature of the job.

The move comes as the government brought in 100 domestic helpers from the Philippines in August as part of Seoul City’s pilot program to help families balance work and child care.