It Becomes Difficult to Invite Foreigners for Marriage Purposes Who Are Domestic Violence or Child and Adolescent Sexual Offenders

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] In the future, individuals with a history of domestic violence or sex crimes against children and adolescents will find it more difficult to bring foreigners into the country for the purpose of marriage.

On the 21st, the Ministry of Justice announced the promulgation of an amendment to the Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Control Act, which includes provisions to prohibit the invitation of foreigners for marriage cohabitation for a certain period if the Korean spouse has a history of domestic violence or sex crimes against children and adolescents. Considering that international marriages take place over a long period, the amendment will take effect six months after its announcement.

According to the amendment, individuals who have been sentenced to a fine or higher for violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Domestic Violence Crimes or sex crimes against children and adolescents, or who have been sentenced to imprisonment or higher for sexual violence crimes or specific violent crimes, can only invite foreigners for marriage purposes after 10 years have passed since the completion of their sentence. The same applies to those who have been sentenced to a fine or higher for false marriage registration and for whom five years have not yet passed.

However, exceptions are made for humanitarian reasons, such as childbirth, allowing visa applications in such cases.

The Ministry of Justice stated, "By establishing preventive measures against domestic violence from the pre-entry stage, we can protect the human rights of marriage immigrants," and added, "We expect this amendment to serve as an opportunity to correct distorted practices in international marriage and to strengthen a sound foundation for international marriages."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.