The Impending Expiration of Temporary Residency for Undocumented Children
As of April 2021, a temporary residency initiative for undocumented migrant children was put in place, but it is set to expire next month. What impact will this have? Many foreign parents are worried about their children’s education being interrupted, leading to potential chaos in schools. In a proactive move, Gyeonggi Province has officially proposed extending the residency period to the government, becoming the first local government in South Korea to tackle this issue.
Undocumented Children Growing Up in South Korea
Currently, it is estimated that there are around 20,000 undocumented children in the country, with approximately 6,000 (30%) residing in Gyeonggi Province. Most of these children were either born in South Korea or entered the country at a young age, growing up using Korean as their first language. They attend school with their friends and are developing within the South Korean education system, making them integral members of society.
Potential Educational Disruption
However, the expiration of the temporary residency program could severely limit educational opportunities for preschoolers, while school-aged children might find themselves at risk of having their studies abruptly halted.
Understanding Temporary Residency for Foreign Children
For more information on the temporary residency eligibility for foreign children, please visit this link.
In countries like the United States, Germany, and France, the right to education is guaranteed to all children, regardless of their residency status. This is not just a matter of welfare; it aligns with the international principle that every child has the right to an education without discrimination. Specifically, Germany ensures that children can receive formal education irrespective of their parents’ residency status, including those who may be living in the country unlawfully. Similarly, France has a robust framework that entitles all children to education starting at age three, fully supported by the state.
Gyeonggi Province’s Proactive Proposal
Gyeonggi Province has taken the initiative to safeguard the educational rights of undocumented migrant children by being the first metropolitan government to propose an extension of residency periods to the central government.
Please note that this article reflects the situation as of the time of writing, and government policies are subject to change. This post aims to provide information and does not offer legal interpretations or judgments. For further inquiries, you can engage in one-on-one consultations on our consultation board.