ID :
194382
Tue, 07/12/2011 - 02:54
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/194382
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Immigration policy
(EDITORIAL from the Korea Times on July 12)
Eight years have passed since Korea initiated a discussion on whether to establish an independent immigration office. But no major progress has been made on the issue. Korea needs to launch the agency as soon as possible to handle immigration affairs in a systematic and proactive way.
Koreans are still confused on the concept of immigration. Locals think of immigration as a way of filling out the low-wage dirty, dangerous and difficult jobs. Maltreatment of foreign brides and denial of benefits to foreign workers have sometimes created not only domestic problems but also diplomatic tension.
Ask foreigners to which government agency they should go to solve their issues? Answers may be different and it is no surprise. So many government agencies are handling immigration affairs under so many different laws. The related agencies include the ministries for justice, labor affairs, health and welfare and foreign affairs and trade. The laws involved are the Nationality Act, Immigration Control Act, Multicultural Families Support Act, and Framework Act on Treatment of Foreigners.
These decentralized functions under different laws reduce efficiency and effectiveness in budget and manpower. Korea has one of the world's lowest fertility rates. The United Nations reported the population will fall to 37 million in 2100 after peaking at 50 million in 2030. A decline in population, together with the fast aging of the people, will be a serious drag on national growth. As long as the birth rate is stagnant, Korea has no other option but to be proactive in immigration.
Like Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, Korea also needs an immigration office. As a late comer in immigration policy, Korea can minimize side effects and maximize positive effects of immigration through analysis of the programs these Western countries have so far adopted.
In Western countries, one out of every 10 people is an immigrant. In Korea, the number of immigrants exceeds 1000,000. Currently, 1.25 million foreigners account for about 2.5 percent of the population. More than half of them are Korean-Chinese. The government projects foreigners will be accountable for 5 percent of the population by 2020.
Korea can secure growth engines by attracting talented foreigners. Korea must better protect the human rights of foreigners and establish an advanced system for determining refugee status. A proactive immigration policy can also create a friendly environment for immigrants in Korea.
The government should pay attention to criticism that its goals, strategies and policies are sometimes discriminatory.
The office also became necessary to block illegal entrance of foreigners, prevent receipt of benefits by the ineligible foreigners and investigate, detain and expel illegal aliens.
The country should map out a vision to create a world class Korea where foreigners live in harmony with Koreans.
The office should chart an inclusive and comprehensive policy to ease possible tensions in an emerging multicultural society. Korea can enhance national competitiveness through a proactive openness policy. The immigration issue should harness the attention of lawmakers and policymakers.
Eight years have passed since Korea initiated a discussion on whether to establish an independent immigration office. But no major progress has been made on the issue. Korea needs to launch the agency as soon as possible to handle immigration affairs in a systematic and proactive way.
Koreans are still confused on the concept of immigration. Locals think of immigration as a way of filling out the low-wage dirty, dangerous and difficult jobs. Maltreatment of foreign brides and denial of benefits to foreign workers have sometimes created not only domestic problems but also diplomatic tension.
Ask foreigners to which government agency they should go to solve their issues? Answers may be different and it is no surprise. So many government agencies are handling immigration affairs under so many different laws. The related agencies include the ministries for justice, labor affairs, health and welfare and foreign affairs and trade. The laws involved are the Nationality Act, Immigration Control Act, Multicultural Families Support Act, and Framework Act on Treatment of Foreigners.
These decentralized functions under different laws reduce efficiency and effectiveness in budget and manpower. Korea has one of the world's lowest fertility rates. The United Nations reported the population will fall to 37 million in 2100 after peaking at 50 million in 2030. A decline in population, together with the fast aging of the people, will be a serious drag on national growth. As long as the birth rate is stagnant, Korea has no other option but to be proactive in immigration.
Like Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, Korea also needs an immigration office. As a late comer in immigration policy, Korea can minimize side effects and maximize positive effects of immigration through analysis of the programs these Western countries have so far adopted.
In Western countries, one out of every 10 people is an immigrant. In Korea, the number of immigrants exceeds 1000,000. Currently, 1.25 million foreigners account for about 2.5 percent of the population. More than half of them are Korean-Chinese. The government projects foreigners will be accountable for 5 percent of the population by 2020.
Korea can secure growth engines by attracting talented foreigners. Korea must better protect the human rights of foreigners and establish an advanced system for determining refugee status. A proactive immigration policy can also create a friendly environment for immigrants in Korea.
The government should pay attention to criticism that its goals, strategies and policies are sometimes discriminatory.
The office also became necessary to block illegal entrance of foreigners, prevent receipt of benefits by the ineligible foreigners and investigate, detain and expel illegal aliens.
The country should map out a vision to create a world class Korea where foreigners live in harmony with Koreans.
The office should chart an inclusive and comprehensive policy to ease possible tensions in an emerging multicultural society. Korea can enhance national competitiveness through a proactive openness policy. The immigration issue should harness the attention of lawmakers and policymakers.
