It is reported that the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is likely to come into effect by the end of next year. Korean Ambassador to the US Lee Tae Shik said during an address by the Korean Embassy to the US to the National Assembly, “To enter the VWP, the most important thing is that the rejection rate for visa issuance should be below 3%, but I was informed that by the end of September, that condition was not satisfied.”

Ambassador Lee stated, “It is necessary for visa rejections to stay below 3% from this October until September next year.” He added, “Provided that the requirement is achieved, the US begins its inspection procedures for the VWP.” This implies that it is possible for Korea to enter the VWP at the end of next year.

He added that to meet entrance requirements for the VWP program, there are two other crucial conditions that should be satisfied: issuing electronic passports and cooperation between legal authorities between the two countries.

Lee noted that the Korean government will issue temporary electronic passports until the end of this year and will issue complete electronic passports by the end of next year. According to a source from the Korean Embassy to the US, former Justice Minister Chon fostered the mutual cooperation between the legal authorities of both countries during his visit to the US in May this year.

입력시간: 2006. 10.19. 08:52