Chairperson Kim Young-im: "Mid-aged Job Creation and Special Property Tax Exemption for Foreigners Need Effectiveness Review"

Chairperson Kim Young-im of the Yeonsu District Council (People Power Party, Proportional) reviewed the effectiveness of the inter-municipal job support project and the promotion of the property tax exemption for foreigners owning one house during the main business report of the Planning and Welfare Committee at the 277th Yeonsu District Council temporary meeting held on February 2.

Regarding the newly launched 'Yeonsu-type Elevator and Fire Safety Manager Training Course', Chairperson Kim pointed out that "the pass rate for the elevator technician and second-class fire safety manager exams remains around 40%" and noted that "it may be even more difficult for trainees in their 50s and 60s who are non-majors to obtain qualifications."

She further questioned, "What are the follow-up measures if they fail the exam even after completing the training, and is there a structure that can actually lead to employment?" In response, the job policy department head stated, "The program runs for a total of 400 hours over 67 days, and the pass rate and employment rate are included in the performance indicators of the public offering project," adding, "We will manage to improve the pass rate through mid-term monitoring with the training institutions."

Chairperson Kim also mentioned, "Due to the nature of safety management jobs, experienced individuals are preferred on-site, making it difficult for those who obtain entry-level qualifications to find immediate employment," highlighting the potential for on-site connections. In response, the administration stated, "We plan to operate in a way that connects on-site interviews with the participation of training and employment institutions."

Chairperson Kim then inquired about the 'Promotion of Property Tax Exemption for Foreigners Owning One House' project targeting the Songdo Tax Office. She pointed out, "There has been virtually no promotion of the exemption application for foreigners so far," and criticized, "The structure itself, where benefits cannot be received without applying, is problematic."

The Songdo Tax Office head explained, "For foreigners, it has been difficult to apply the exemption because the system does not confirm whether they own multiple houses without their application," adding, "As there are 2,018 cases of property tax levied on houses owned by foreigners in Yeonsu District, we plan to actively promote through text messages and notices this year."

Chairperson Kim responded, "Sending text messages and notices alone does not seem to differ significantly from the existing method," and stated, "If automatic application is difficult due to limitations in the administrative system, more specific measures are needed to reduce cases of non-application." The tax office head replied, "There is a structural limitation where foreign property information is not linked in the system."

Chairperson Kim concluded her inquiries by urging, "Please take more proactive measures to ensure that disadvantages do not arise from the non-application of exemptions."