{"id":2203021,"date":"2023-12-07T08:00:26","date_gmt":"2023-12-06T23:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2203021"},"modified":"2023-12-06T17:02:02","modified_gmt":"2023-12-06T08:02:02","slug":"justice-ministers-immigration-vision-clashes-with-south-koreas-reality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/12\/justice-ministers-immigration-vision-clashes-with-south-koreas-reality\/","title":{"rendered":"Justice minister\u2019s immigration vision clashes with South Korea\u2019s reality"},"content":{"rendered":"
South Korean Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon, attending a ruling party policy meeting for the first time on Dec. 6, 2023, <\/span>emphasized<\/span><\/a> the need for an immigration policy to avoid a <\/span>national demographic crisis<\/span><\/a>. Han argued that the time for debating the implementation of such a policy has passed, warning that without it, the nation faces inevitable demise due to population decline. He highlighted the need to establish a provisional Immigration and Naturalization Service as a key measure for systematic management and control of immigration.<\/span><\/p>\n Han also addressed the limitations of solely relying on <\/span>birth rate policies<\/span><\/a> to prevent demographic disasters. He clarified that the proposed immigration policy would focus on selectively admitting necessary talent, ensuring stricter control against undocumented immigrants. Additionally, Han stressed the need for reforms in the <\/span>voting rights of foreign residents<\/span><\/a> in local elections and the refugee system.<\/span><\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/b><\/p>\n Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon\u2019s advocacy for a new immigration policy and the establishment of a provisional Immigration and Naturalization Service in South Korea appears inconsistent with the Yoon administration\u2019s actions. The Yoon administration\u2019s decision to <\/span>eliminate the entire $5.6 million (7.18 billion won) budget<\/span><\/a> for foreign worker support centers, leading to their closure next year, undermines Han\u2019s call for controlled and beneficial immigration. The administration\u2019s move risks leaving foreign workers without essential support, even as sectors like <\/span>shipbuilding increasingly rely on these workers<\/span><\/a> due to the country\u2019s falling birth rate.<\/span><\/p>\n Further dissonance is evident in the handling of human rights issues concerning foreign nationals. The National Human Rights Commission of Korea <\/span>urged<\/span><\/a> the government on Monday to adhere to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women\u2019s recommendations following incidents where foreign victims of human trafficking were investigated for prostitution and detained in immigration facilities.<\/span><\/p>\n Additionally, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon\u2019s <\/span>proposal<\/span><\/a> to employ foreign domestic workers at minimum wage to address the low birth rate issue reflects a superficial and potentially exploitative solution. These discrepancies highlight a gap between Han\u2019s articulated policy goals and the practical realities and ethical considerations of immigration and foreign worker treatment in South Korea.<\/span><\/p>\n