Gwangju Office of Education to Support Education for 'Immigrant Children' Regardless of Residency Status

"Guaranteeing the Right to Education Regardless of Nationality"
Joint Response with Other Cities and Provinces

The Gwangju Office of Education has announced its intention to continue providing its own educational support to guarantee the educational rights of migrant children. However, unlike metropolitan area education offices that have officially requested the Ministry of Justice to extend the stay of these children, it has been confirmed that the Gwangju Office of Education has not held separate discussions on this matter.

Gwangju Office of Education building.

On the 12th, an official from the Gwangju Office of Education told Asia Economy in a phone call, "Even for migrant children, the right to education is the top priority," and added, "Regardless of their parents' residency status, children should be able to continue their studies."

In 2021, the Ministry of Justice announced the 'Conditional Relief Measures for Undocumented Migrant Children Born in Korea,' granting temporary residency to children who met certain conditions. However, this measure is set to end on March 31, 2025. After that, children who do not receive residency status will find it difficult to continue their studies.

Currently, there are 37 migrant children enrolled in elementary, middle, and high schools in Gwangju. While education offices in the metropolitan area have requested extensions of stay, the Gwangju Office of Education has not engaged in significant discussions on this issue. An official stated, "We are discussing joint responses with other city and provincial education offices," but regarding whether an extension request had been made, said, "There has been no discussion."

Regardless of the Ministry of Justice's policy, the office plans to continue support for the education of migrant children. The official explained, "We will continue to provide educational support as we do now, regardless of nationality," and added, "The superintendent is also emphasizing continuous support."

However, civic groups point out that the Gwangju Office of Education's response is still insufficient. The organization 'Society Without School Ties' stated in a press release that day, "While the Gwangju Office of Education is not taking proactive action, migrant children are at risk of having to stop their studies due to the expiration of their stay," and added, "More concrete responses, such as a request for extension of stay, are needed."

It is still unclear how specifically the Gwangju Office of Education will cooperate with other city and provincial education offices, or what measures will be put in place if the residency period ends. The official stated, "We will work with relevant agencies to come up with practical support measures."

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