Smoke rises following an explosion in Tehran, Sunday, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Reuters-Yonhap
Korea will allow Iranians to remain here beyond their visa limits on humanitarian grounds, as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran intensifies in the Middle East.
In response to inquiries from The Korea Times regarding Iranian nationals in Korea, the Ministry of Justice said those whose visas cannot be extended under ordinary rules will be permitted to stay until war-related risks are deemed to have subsided enough to allow safe travel.
As of January, 2,133 Iranian nationals were residing legally in Korea.
“The Ministry of Justice plans to allow Iranians who are currently staying in Korea legally, but can no longer extend their visas or change their status, to remain here on humanitarian grounds until the situation stabilizes,” a ministry official said.
This measure comes as some other countries are moving to ease immigration rules or grant temporary protections to Iranians who would face heightened danger if forced to return. At least two countries — Canada and Japan — have so far announced special measures allowing Iranians to extend their stay rather than forcing them to return to a war zone. Meanwhile, India and Qatar are providing visa relief to foreign travelers, including Iranians, stranded by flight disruptions.
The ministry said its protection measures will also cover undocumented Iranians in Korea.
“The Ministry of Justice does not forcibly repatriate people when their home country is in a grave emergency, such as war or civil strife, and it is clear that returning them would pose an obvious threat to their life and safety,” the official said.
This policy may also apply to Iranians currently held in immigration detention centers.
“The enforcement of forced deportations of detained foreign nationals will be decided after a comprehensive review of factors such as the availability of flights to the nation concerned and the local security situation,” the official said. “The Ministry of Justice is currently monitoring developments in Iran closely and plans to respond flexibly.”
Source: Korea Times News
