The Science and Technology Ministry will begin issuing online ID cards from Saturday to simply visa and work permit procedures for foreign scientists and engineers.

Dubbed the "science card," the new ID will act as a de facto job recommendation from the government and cut visa or work permit issuance time from a week to one day though the Web page scard.go.kr.

The ministry has issued 438 cards between December 2001 and last year.

Foreign cardholders can stay in the country for up to three years on a single visa, and can remain longer if their employment period is extended.