Afghan Special Contributors "Grateful to Korea... Familiar with Korean Culture and Food"

On the morning of the 13th, special contributors from Afghanistan who completed self-quarantine are returning to their living facilities after outdoor activities at the National Human Resources Development Institute stadium in Jincheon-gun, Chungbuk. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Special contributors who supported the activities of our government in Afghanistan expressed their sincere gratitude to all the people of the Republic of Korea for providing safe protection and facilities.

On the morning of the 13th, at the Afghan Special Contributors' Admission Press Day held at the National Human Resources Development Institute in Jincheon, Chungbuk, hosted by the Ministry of Justice, the special contributors shared these sentiments. They especially agreed that "the best thing is to live in a safe place (with our families)."

A, who worked as a computer-related professor at the Korean Vocational Training Center in Afghanistan, said, "I am grateful to everyone. I was a university professor in Afghanistan, but I gave up my home and local life to come here," adding, "Most of the special contributors are PhDs, and it is our hope to find good positions in Korea and live well with our children."

B, who worked as a member of the Agricultural Research team in the Korean Provincial Reconstruction Team, also said, "I have worked with Koreans in Afghanistan for a long time, so I know some Korean culture, language, and food," and expressed gratitude for being given a safe place. When asked by reporters what they hope from the Korean government, he said, "It would be good if you could provide jobs that match our experience," adding, "So far, the biggest concerns are education for the children, housing, and employment."

Currently, about 390 Afghan special contributors and their families are living in the temporary living facilities at the National Human Resources Development Institute. The Ministry of Justice provides social adaptation education necessary for settling in Korean society, such as Korean language, culture, and legal order, and issues a residence visa (F-2) that allows free employment after the education is completed. The 'F-2' visa is issued to those who intend to stay long-term in Korea to obtain permanent residency status and allows a stay of up to five years per issuance. There are no restrictions on employment activities.

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