The Jeju Immigration Office stated that a total of 369 people had applied for refugee status from China, Yemen and elsewhere between January and April of this year. (image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jun. 21 (Korea Bizwire) — As an increasing number of residents of Jeju Island have voiced concerns regarding their safety and the possible costs associated with the recent influx of Yemeni refugees coming to the island by taking advantage of a visa-free policy, the government has set out to actively relieve the buildup of public anxiety regarding the issue.
The Ministry of Justice, which overlooks policies on refugees, issued a press release on the current status of the Yemeni asylum seekers and their refugee applications, as well as the proposed government measures dealing with the situation.
In the press release, the Ministry of Justice addressed rising concerns of increased danger in Jeju, and a loss of jobs stemming from the inflow of Yemeni asylum seekers.
The Ministry said that the government has decided to approve work permits for the refugees in sectors facing a labor shortage, such as agriculture, livestock, fishery and food businesses.
The ministry has permitted refugees to take on jobs in Jeju as part of humanitarian efforts to help those who cannot go back to their homeland of Yemen due to the civil war that has plagued the nation.
However, officials have clearly stated that such efforts will not impact the jobs that Jeju locals currently enjoy.
In addressing the issue of safety, government officials said that they would do their best to prevent crimes in the region.
The Justice Ministry said that it was working closely with law enforcement officers to strengthen patrol efforts in the communal quarters currently housing the internationals.
“Crime prevention briefings will be carried out along with the job briefing session,” said one ministry official.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Justice, a total of 561 Yemeni refugees made their way to Jeju between January and June 14.
Of those individuals, 549 have applied for refugee status, while 45 of the applicants are women, and 26 are under 17 years of age.
H. S. Seo (hsseo@koreabizwire.com)
