Revised law grants special support for Afghan evacuees

Afghan evacuees participate in outdoor activities at the National Human Resources Development Institute in Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province, Oct. 23, 2021. Joint Press Corps

A revised law on foreign residents in Korea took effect Tuesday, granting Afghan evacuees administrative and financial support on par with recognized refugees, the justice ministry said.

A total of 390 Afghans, mostly local helpers of Korean forces and medical workers, and their families, arrived here in August after fleeing their country following its seizure by the Taliban.

They were designated as "persons of special merit" and provided with long-term residency and chances to get a job under a revision to the Immigration Act.

In a follow-up measure, the ministry amended the framework act on foreign residents to provide them with government support roughly equivalent to that for refugees.

Under the revision, they will be granted the same level of social security benefits as citizens. Minors will receive school education, language programs and vocational training.

Unlike other refugees, they will also get financial support for initial settlement, the amount of which will be determined through consultations with related ministries, the ministry said. (Yonhap)

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