The cost of the Social Integration Program (KIIP) will be implemented starting in 2025.

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Introduction to Changes in the KIIP Program

Starting January 2025, the education fees for the Korean Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP), which has been offered free of charge to immigrants, will be put into effect. This program is crucial for immigrants to systematically learn the Korean language and culture, helping them adjust and become self-sufficient in our society. While it has been free until now, the introduction of some fees aims to tackle issues like low motivation among participants and imbalances in program accessibility.

What is the KIIP Program?

The KIIP is an educational course designed to assist newly arrived immigrants in learning the Korean language, understanding Korean culture, and successfully integrating into society. Since its inception in 2009, the Ministry of Justice has funded it entirely with the aim of helping immigrants become productive members of society. This program plays a vital role in enhancing language skills and fostering understanding of Korean laws and cultural norms.

Why Are Fees Being Introduced?

The Ministry of Justice announced that it would implement a fee structure to address several challenges that have arisen from the previously free KIIP. A lack of cost has led some participants to lose motivation, resulting in lower achievement rates. Additionally, despite an increase in demand for education, the limitations in government funding have made it difficult to offer sufficient classes. Education experts have suggested that contributing to education costs could encourage participant engagement and lead to better learning outcomes.

Details of the Fee Structure for the KIIP Program

The new fee structure for the KIIP will not be uniformly applied across all participants. Instead, fees will be tiered based on the specific course participants enroll in. For each stage, participants will be required to pay 100,000 KRW for 100 hours of education. This amount represents approximately 20% of the actual educational costs, equating to 1,000 KRW per hour. Certain groups, such as those contributing to national interests or classified as socially vulnerable, will be exempt from fees, and diligent participants may receive a 50% discount.

Fee Waivers and Reductions

The Ministry of Justice has taken careful measures to ensure that the fee structure does not impose excessive burdens on immigrants. For instance, immigrants who significantly contribute to national interests or who belong to vulnerable social groups can receive complete fee exemptions. Those who actively participate in the program will only need to pay half of the fees. This thoughtful approach highlights the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that vulnerable communities are not marginalized by the new fee policy.

Expected Outcomes of Implementing Fees

With the implementation of fees for educational programs aimed at immigrants, we expect participants to take their studies more seriously and achieve higher academic success. Furthermore, by complementing government funding limits, we can open up more educational courses, thereby addressing the imbalance between demand and supply for education.

Overview of the KIIP Program

  1. Legal Basis: According to Article 39 of the Immigration Control Act, the Minister of Justice may implement social integration programs to support the adaptation of foreigners seeking to acquire Korean nationality or permanent residency through education, information provision, and counseling.

  2. Target Participants and Operating Institutions:

  • Target: All legally resident foreigners registered in Korea, as well as naturalized citizens within three years of acquiring nationality.
  • Institutions: Education is conducted through universities, local governments, public institutions, family centers, and NGOs designated by the Minister of Justice (currently totaling 335 nationwide as of August 2024).

  1. Curriculum: The program includes a Korean language and culture course (415 hours) and a course understanding Korean society (100 hours).

  2. Fee Structure:

  • For stages 1-4: 100,000 KRW for each 100-hour stage.
  • For Stage 5: Basic course (for permanent residency, 70 hours) is 70,000 KRW, and the advanced course (for naturalization, 30 hours) is 30,000 KRW.
  • Note: Stage 0 (15 hours) and those exempted from fees will be free, while eligible participants will pay only 50% of the fees.
  1. Exemptions and Reductions:
  • Exemptions: Include independence activists and their families, veterans and their families, recipients of basic livelihood support, persons with severe disabilities, dependent minors of foreign residents, and individuals facing hardships due to industrial accidents or illnesses.
  • Reductions: Participants who attend all classes for their respective stages or are recognized for excellent learning attitudes will qualify for fee reductions.

Please note that this information reflects the current policy as of the date of writing, and government policies are subject to change. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal interpretation or advice. For further inquiries, please visit our 1:1 Consultation Board.