Korea eases visa extension rules for foreign victims of crime

The Korea Times reports that the Korean government has eased visa extension rules for foreign victims of crime, particularly those experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, and other human rights violations. Previously, foreign nationals were required to apply for immigration permits at offices covering their registered addresses.

However, the Ministry of Justice has now revised the rules, allowing them to apply for extensions of stay and other permits at immigration offices with jurisdiction over the shelters where they are staying. This change was made to address concerns that requiring victims fleeing domestic violence or other abuse to visit immigration offices near their former residences could expose their whereabouts and potentially endanger their safety.

The revised rules aim to protect these individuals by allowing them to seek necessary assistance without fear of retribution or further exposure to their abusers.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.