In South Korea, immigration policy is handled by the immigration services of the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Nationality Act, Immigration Control Act, Multicultural Families Support Act, and the Framework Act on Treatment of Foreigners are the foundations of immigration policy in Korea. The Korean government initiated a discussion in 2003 on establishing an independent immigration office to accommodate fast-growing immigrant and to prepare inclusive and rational immigration policies; however, there has been little progress. The Foreigner Policy Committee, headed by the Prime Minister, coordinates foreigner-related policies which were handled by many ministries. However, its role is limited because of a shortage of resources and manpower. The establishment of an Immigration Office is expected to solve these problems by concentrating all related resources and manpower under one umbrella.
History
Korea as a sending country
Korea was a sending country which sent farmers, miners, nurses and laborers to the United States, Germany and the Middle East. The Korean diaspora around the world consisted of 6.82 million people, as of 2009; there were 2.34 million Koreans in China and 2.1 million Korean Americans. The total Korean diaspora (which reached over seven million in 2007) declined by 0.22 million in 2009.
Korea as a receiving country
After the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Korea opened its border to the general public, which resulted in increased exchanges with foreign countries. The United Nations declared Korea an official receiving country in 2007, and the number of foreigners in Korea grew from 390,000 in 1997 to 1,000,000 in 2007. Among these, temporary laborers were 630,000 and foreigners who married Korean nationals were 100,000. The number of illegal immigrants were 230,000. The primary sending countries were mostly Asian, such as China, Vietnam, Mongolia, the Philippines, and Bangladesh; however, some immigrants come from Nigeria, Ghana, Russia and the U.S.
Background
The main reason new policies were implemented was the low birth rate in Korea and decrease in population.
Economic growth
Korea experienced government-initiated rapid economic growth beginning of the 1970s, known as the "miracle of Han River". Until the end of the 1980s, Korea sustained its development without foreign laborers due to sufficient labor. However, during the 1990s the low birth rate and growing payroll costs caused a labor shortage (especially in the voluntary sector).
Rural female shortage
With development and urbanization, many people left rural areas. Young people headed for cities in search of better jobs and a better standard of living. Continuing an agrarian and Confucian society tradition, the eldest sons were left behind with their parents. This trend caused a chronic shortage of marriageable women in rural areas. International marriage began in rural areas, and most international-marriage cases are handled by dating service companies with commission.
Policies
Nationality Act
Effective June 14, 1998, persons with at least one Korean parent are automatically granted Korean nationality from birth, regardless of their decision on whether to choose the nationality of the foreign parent or country of birth (if born outside Korea). The requirements for General Naturalization are as follows:
Must have had domicile address in the Republic of Korea for more than five consecutive years Must be a legal adult, according to Korean civil law Must have good conduct Must have the ability to maintain a living standard on his/her own assets or skills (or is a dependent member of a family capable of that) Must have basic knowledge befitting a Korean national (such as an understanding of the Korean language, customs and culture
Eligibility for Foreigners
Although immigration to South Korea is low due to strict immigration policies, it is on the rise. As of 2016, foreign residents accounted for 3.4% of the total population.
Most immigrants are not eligible for citizenship or even permanent residency, unless they are married to a South Korean citizen or have invested more than US$500,000 in the local economy. An exception is made for those whose non-financial contribution to the nation has been specifically recognized by the Minister of Justice, and for holders of a business visa who have invested more than US$500,000.
National plan
The vision is one of a world-class Korea, where foreigners live in harmony with Koreans.