South Korea Considers Expanding Immigration to Combat Declining Birthrate

The Ministry of Justice has announced that Minister Han Dong-hoon will be traveling to Europe from March 7th to the 15th to prepare for revising immigration policies. The ministry stated that the purpose of the minister’s trip is to exchange relevant information and policies with European countries that have a wealth of experience in immigration policies and to establish a close cooperation system. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)

SEOUL, March 6 (Korea Bizwire) –Amidst South Korea’s decreasing birthrate, discussions have been taking place in political circles about the possibility of expanding immigration.

National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo reportedly mentioned the possible establishment of an immigration agency created to attract more immigrants, at a luncheon with the foreign minister, Seoul mayor, and foreign ambassadors to South Korea on February 27.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated that over 430,000 foreign residents currently live in Seoul, accounting for 4.5 percent of the city’s population. He emphasized the city’s policy of supporting foreigners to stabilize their lives.

Travelers from Sri Lanka line up in front of a currency exchange booth to exchange money at the arrival hall of Incheon International Airport’s Terminal 1. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)

The Global Elim Foundation, an affiliated organization of the Yoido Full Gospel Church, organized the event at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, on February 27. It was established to support the settlement of multicultural families and foreigners living in Korea.

Despite these efforts, critics of the plan suggest that without a proper immigrant verification system, accepting immigrants solely to secure labor may lead to the creation of social problems similar to those in Europe.

They argue that increasing the fertility rate of Koreans should be prioritized by reducing the high costs of private education, housing, and childcare.

The Global ELim Foundation, chaired by senior pastor Lee Young-hoon, invited foreign students, multicultural family youths, and migrant workers to donate money.

Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)