The Justice Ministry has decided to grant long-term stay visas to Afghan evacuees being brought to South Korea for their assistance over the years in their war-torn country.

Taking the first steps to change related regulations, the ministry on Thursday issued an advance notice of revisions to an enforcement ordinance for the Immigration Control Act.

Foreign nationals with special merit or those who have contributed to South Korea's public interest will be granted an F-2 residency visa, which also permits engaging in employment activities with no restrictions.

The visa allows a maximum five-year stay after which permanent residency can be issued. The ministry said the revision is necessary as there are currently no legal grounds to provide such long-term status.

The Afghan nationals will first receive a 90-day short-term visa which will be replaced by the residency visa after the ordinance is amended.