Gyeonggi Province Launches Nation's First "Refugee Support Policy Advisory Committee"... Holds Inaugural Meeting

Gyeonggi Province has officially launched an advisory body to systematically discuss refugee policy for the first time among local governments.

Gyeonggi Province held the 1st meeting of the "Gyeonggi Province Refugee Support Policy Advisory Committee" on the 18th at the Northern Office of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government in Uijeongbu City. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

On May 18, Gyeonggi Province announced that it held the first meeting of the "Gyeonggi Province Refugee Support Policy Advisory Committee" at the Gyeonggi Northern Government Building in Uijeongbu City, where the committee's operational direction and future policy initiatives were discussed.

The advisory committee was established as a deliberative and consultative body to comprehensively review policies related to refugees residing in the province and to develop strategies for their harmonious settlement within the local community. It is the first such body to be operated by a local government in Korea.

The committee consists of 10 members, including Kim Wonkyu, Director of the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Bureau of Gyeonggi Province (an ex officio member), assembly members of the Gyeonggi Provincial Council, legal and academic experts, representatives from related organizations, civil society and field experts, as well as migrants and refugee representatives. The committee will deliberate and offer advice on matters such as: ▲establishing, revising, evaluating, and improving basic policy plans ▲the validity of refugee support projects ▲the operation of refugee support facilities ▲criteria for recognizing individuals in situations similar to those of refugees.

Following the appointment ceremony in the first part of the event, the second part—the inaugural meeting—included the election of a chair and vice chair, as well as discussions on the background for establishing the committee, its operational direction, and future project initiatives.

As of 2025, out of 46,786 refugees in Korea, 16,408 reside in Gyeonggi Province. This accounts for 35.1% of the national total, the highest proportion among metropolitan governments. Within the province, refugees are concentrated in cities such as Ansan, Pyeongtaek, Hwaseong, and Pocheon.

Kim Wonkyu, Director of the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Bureau of Gyeonggi Province, stated, "If refugees face social isolation or poverty, this could become a source of anxiety and conflict for the entire local community. Therefore, rational policy support is essential for proactive conflict prevention and community cohesion." He added, "We will discuss policy directions that residents can empathize with, based on feedback from the field and expert opinions."

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