This file photo shows a driver’s license test course in South Korea. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, April 21 (Korea Bizwire) — The state human rights watchdog said Thursday that the curriculum used to train people to acquire a driver’s license should be available in different languages.
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) advised the National Police Agency and the Road Traffic Authority to offer Arabic translations for the written driver’s license examination and provide related tests in different languages.
This is to ensure that the human rights of foreigners residing in South Korea are protected.
In July 2021, a foreigner’s rights advocacy group representing seven refugees and those on humanitarian stay permits from Yemen submitted a petition, claiming that the lack of Arabic translations for the driver’s license examination was unfair.
In response, the Road Traffic Authority stated that it was not mandatory for authorities to provide translations and that tests in English, Chinese, and Vietnamese were available for the convenience of individuals whose first language is not Korean.
The NHRCK noted that the lack of Arabic translations for the examination falls short of constituting a human rights violation.
However, it advised that providing translations and tests in different languages would be more inclusive and beneficial for foreigners residing in South Korea.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
