Assemblyman So Byeong-cheol: "Measures Needed to Extend Foreigners' Stay Period Amid COVID-19 Situation"

Labor Shortages in Rural Areas and SMEs... Temporary Visa Conversion System Difficult to Improve
Extension of Foreigners' Stay in Special Situations like Epidemics... Emphasizing Open Rule of Law Administration
'Goo Hara Act' Ministry of Justice Pro

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Democratic Party lawmaker So Byeong-cheol (Suncheon Gwangyang Gokseong Gurye Gap, Judiciary Committee) announced on the 23rd that he proposed during the Ministry of Justice’s work report at the Judiciary Committee on the 22nd that, to alleviate labor shortages in rural and fishing villages and small and medium-sized enterprises, the extension of foreigners' stay periods under special circumstances such as infectious diseases should be considered.

Recently, the Ministry of Justice announced the ‘Temporary Seasonal Work Permit System for Foreigners Staying in Korea,’ but concerns have arisen that it may be insufficient to resolve the labor shortage on the ground.

Last year, the Ministry of Justice also tried to supplement seasonal labor in rural and fishing villages by changing some residence statuses in consultation with related administrative agencies, but only 223 foreigners utilized this measure.

At the previous confirmation hearing for the Minister of Justice, lawmaker So pointed out that “due to difficulties in entry and exit caused by COVID-19, severe labor shortages have occurred not only in agriculture but also in manufacturing and construction sectors,” emphasizing the urgent need for solutions.

Lawmaker So reiterated, “The Minister of Justice agreed that in the unprecedented situation of COVID-19, legal administration beyond the existing paradigm is necessary,” adding, “From the perspective of open legal administration, it is necessary to prepare groundbreaking and extraordinary measures in crisis situations such as infectious diseases.”

Meanwhile, during the work report, questions were also raised about the so-called ‘Goo Hara Act,’ which prevents parents who significantly neglect their child-rearing duties from inheriting their children’s property.

The Ministry of Justice recently announced a draft amendment to the Civil Act regarding the ‘Goo Hara Act,’ but lawmaker So pointed out that it seems unreasonable and requires supplementation.

Lawmaker So stated, “In social incidents, children often die first due to sudden accidents, so requiring a preemptive court ruling to restrict inheritance as proposed by the Ministry of Justice is almost impossible,” criticizing the Ministry’s draft as unrealistic and disconnected from public sentiment.

He further emphasized, “It is more realistic to impose disqualification at the inheritance stage if child-rearing duties are neglected,” and “It is necessary to revise the draft to align with the legislative intent of protecting vulnerable children.”

Minister of Justice Park Beom-gye expressed strong agreement with the inquiry’s intent and promised to actively consider it.

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