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By Lee Kyung-min
All foreign residents aged 17 and older will be able to use the automated immigration checkpoint at international airports here starting July 5, as the government will expand the scope of people eligible for the service, the Ministry of Justice said Tuesday.
So far, foreigners eligible to use the service include only resident employees of companies, corporate investors, professors, and those with Korean spouses.
But under the revised law on immigration, all foreign residents 17 and older will be eligible to use the fast-track process without having to wait in line.
"The revised law is expected to improve convenience at the airports for Korea-based foreigners who fly frequently," an immigration official said.
The service is available after registering fingerprints and submitting a photo with local immigration offices, or at Incheon International Airport.
Applicants must bring their passports and government-issued documents to prove residency in Korea.
For Koreans, the service will be expanded to include those seven years old and older, from the current service allowing minors 14 years old and older.
