Government "Managing Blind Spots in Quarantine... Suspension of Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants and Strengthening of Testing" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] The government will support illegal immigrants to receive diagnosis and treatment for COVID-19 without worrying about costs or forced deportation. This is intended to manage the 'blind spots' in quarantine measures.

Kim Kang-lip, the first chief coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, stated at a regular briefing held at the Government Sejong Complex on the 1st, "To stably manage COVID-19 and to early block the possibility of cluster infections, it is important to manage the blind spots in quarantine," emphasizing this approach.

Currently, the Ministry of Justice estimates that there are about 390,000 foreigners in South Korea without valid residency status due to visa expiration and other reasons.

The government plans to provide guidance on COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment systems in 16 languages for foreigners so that they can receive free diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner.

Public health center screening clinics will offer non-face-to-face interpretation services, and if necessary, mobile testing will be conducted in areas densely populated by foreigners to enable customized medical care.

The Ministry of Justice will temporarily suspend crackdowns on illegal immigrants so that they can undergo testing without fear.

Local governments will form consultative bodies with private organizations that have been active among foreigners to regularly inspect and supplement quarantine conditions in areas densely populated by foreigners.

The government will also strengthen management for homeless people and residents of jjokbang (small rooms).

In connection with the national tuberculosis screening project implemented by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, unauthorized residents, homeless people, and jjokbang residents will be able to receive testing if COVID-19 is suspected.

Additionally, preventive measures such as screening tests will be strengthened when it is deemed necessary to conduct tests before admission to living facilities or temporary shelters.

Chief Coordinator Kim said, "Unauthorized residents and homeless people are in quarantine blind spots because they find it difficult to visit screening clinics even if they have suspected COVID-19 symptoms due to unstable residence, identity, and circumstances," adding, "We will strive to prevent another COVID-19 outbreak by broad and meticulous management of quarantine blind spots."

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