[Changes Next Year] Domestic Violence Suspects Can Be Arrested on the Spot... Up to 3 Years Imprisonment for Violating Restraining Orders

Expansion of Lawyer Exam Test Centers Nationwide
Mobile Electronic Certificates for 100 Types Including Resident Registration and Extracts Expanded

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] From next year, laws regarding punishment for domestic violence crimes and protection of victims will be strengthened. Accordingly, police officers dispatched to domestic violence scenes will be able to make on-the-spot arrests under the Criminal Procedure Act.

According to the government's announcement on the 28th titled "Changes from 2021," police officers dispatched to the scene must inform victims that they can request victim protection orders and personal safety measures. Violating temporary measures such as restraining orders may result in imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to 10 million KRW, or detention. Repeat offenders may face imprisonment of up to three years or fines up to 30 million KRW.

Furthermore, the temporary restraining order against the perpetrator now includes not only specific locations but also specific persons such as the victim or family members. Considering the possibility of recidivism during the exercise of child visitation rights, restrictions on visitation rights have been added to the types of victim protection orders.

To correct the behavior of domestic violence offenders and prevent recidivism, the following measures have been introduced: ▲ at the temporary measure stage, offenders will be entrusted to counseling centers ▲ when imposing imprisonment or fines, offenders will be ordered to complete domestic violence treatment programs, among other measures.

From June next year, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system will be introduced for foreigners. Foreigners who can enter Korea without a visa will be required to obtain electronic travel authorization in advance if necessary for maintaining public order or national interests. Foreigners with electronic travel authorization will be exempt from submitting entry declarations and will only need to verify their identity at dedicated inspection counters.

Fines for immigration offenders can be paid not only in cash lump sums but also by credit or debit cards. Previously, payment notices had to be presented and payments made in cash at banks or post offices. Credit card payment fees will be borne by the payer, with 0.9% charged for credit cards and 0.5% for debit cards.

Considering the COVID-19 situation, the bar exam testing centers will be expanded nationwide. Starting from the 10th Bar Examination next year, testing centers will be fully expanded to all 25 law schools nationwide. The current mixed Korean-Chinese character legal codes will be replaced with purely Korean legal codes for easier use at testing centers and provided to examinees. Additionally, examinees will be fully allowed to use restrooms during exam hours at all locations.

To prepare for the post-COVID-19 era, remote medical systems will be expanded to correctional facilities nationwide. This aims to overcome the limitations of face-to-face medical systems and guarantee the health rights of inmates. To enhance the vocational skills and employability of released prisoners, vocational training courses for heavy equipment operators that meet labor market demands will be expanded. A forklift operator certification course will be newly established at Gangwon Northern Correctional Institution. Furthermore, training for excavator and loader heavy equipment will be expanded in cooperation with private heavy equipment academies.

Mobile electronic certificates for resident registration and family relation documents will be greatly expanded to 100 types. This will include electronic certificates for income amount certificates and disability certificates. The government plans to expand the issuance targets to 300 types, including family relation certificates, by the end of next year.

Additionally, the government introduced plans to ▲ expand youth villages to 12 locations nationwide, ▲ implement Public MyData services that collect and provide scattered administrative and public institution information, ▲ provide customized national subsidy services through Government24, ▲ raise the government support rate for flood and windstorm insurance premiums to 70%, and ▲ add rural lodging facilities to the mandatory disaster liability insurance subscription targets.

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