Jamboree Participants Who Applied for Refugee Status... "Healthcare System and Recycling Education"

Meeting Requirements for Refugee Recognition Review... Review Pending
43 Recognized Out of 3,347 Refugee Applications in the First Half of the Year

It has been revealed that some participants of the World Scout Jamboree held in the Saemangeum area of Jeonbuk last August applied for refugee status.

On the opening day of the 2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree, scouts are walking to the campsite in Haseo-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do. The photo is not directly related to the content of the article.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

According to the legal community on the 19th, the Ministry of Justice's Immigration Foreigners Support Center conducted education on the 12th for the Jamboree participants who applied for refugee recognition. Refugee applicants receive education on Korean living laws and order, livelihood expenses and medical support systems, and waste separation methods.

They applied for refugee status immediately after entering the country to participate in the Jamboree, and it is reported that they meet the requirements for refugee recognition screening and are awaiting review. Most of them are minors, but some adults are also included.

The Jamboree participants who applied for refugee status are known to be from regions such as Africa, and the number is reported to be over 50.

Refugee applicants are allowed to stay in the country until a decision is made on their refugee status. The Ministry of Justice supports their livelihood expenses for six months from the date of application. It is also known that refugee applicants among the Jamboree participants remain in the country.

However, a Ministry of Justice official said, "It is true that some Jamboree participants applied for refugee status with our government," but added, "It is difficult to confirm the exact number or nationality."

The Ministry of Justice plans to decide on acceptance after conducting refugee screening.

The Refugee Act defines refugees as foreigners who cannot receive protection from their country of nationality or do not wish to be protected due to well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

However, refugee screening is very strict, such as when there is a concern that the individual may harm the safety or social order of the Republic of Korea, if they come from a safe country with no possibility of persecution, or if they apply for economic reasons. Among 3,347 refugee screenings conducted in the first half of this year (January to June), only 43 cases were recognized as refugees.

Even if not recognized as refugees, if it is proven that there is a possibility of life or physical freedom being infringed due to torture or other inhumane treatment, they can stay in the country by receiving a "humanitarian residence permit." Only 41 cases received humanitarian residence permits in the first half of this year.

Meanwhile, the Saemangeum Jamboree held from August 1 to 12 saw participation from about 43,000 youths and leaders from 158 countries, but controversies over poor management and other issues continue to this day.

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