Korea grants temporary stay and work permits to foreign children seeking paternal recognition

Korea has introduced temporary stay and work permits for foreign children seeking legal recognition from their Korean parents. This new policy, revealed by the Ministry of Justice on Friday, ends a regulatory loophole that often left vulnerable families in financial distress or in violation of their visas. Children without citizenship, along with their custodial parents involved in paternity lawsuits, will now be eligible for a G-1 visa, a long-term humanitarian status valid for six-month periods during legal proceedings.

A key aspect of the new policy is the provision of temporary work permits for parents and guardians, subject to review by an internal human rights committee. This allows them to support themselves legally while navigating the court system. The measures aim to meet the state's minimum humanitarian obligation by preventing hardship for children of Korean descent and their guardians during trial proceedings.

Previously, foreign parents or mothers entering Korea on short-term C-3 tourist visas faced significant challenges. The new guidelines address this issue by ensuring that the children and their custodial parents can remain legally in the country throughout the duration of the paternity suits. Acting Justice Minister Lee Jin-soo emphasized that these changes are intended to protect the well-being of Korean lineage children and their guardians during legal proceedings.