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South Korea Streamlines Residence Applications for Foreign Nationals Who Are Victims of Violence

🇰🇷 South KoreaWork Permits1 recorded versionLast change 5 Sept 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

Foreign nationals who are victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse or human trafficking can submit applications for residence permission at either the immigration office responsible for their registered residence or the immigration office responsible for the shelter or protection facility where they are staying. The change covers residence-related procedures such as applications to extend the period of stay. This gives eligible victims an alternative location for handling their immigration matters and means they do not necessarily have to return to the jurisdiction connected to their former residence. The Ministry of Justice announced the procedural improvement on 4 September 2026.

Overview

The South Korean Ministry of Justice, specifically the Korea Immigration Service, has implemented a system improvement allowing foreign nationals who are victims of human rights violations, including domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, and human trafficking, to apply for residence permits. These applications, which include extensions of stay, can now be submitted at the immigration office or branch office with jurisdiction over the location of their shelter or protective facility. This change addresses previous blind spots in the application process and became effective on 4 September 2026.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Foreign nationals in South Korea who are victims of domestic violence
  • Foreign nationals in South Korea who are victims of sexual violence
  • Foreign nationals in South Korea who are victims of child abuse
  • Foreign nationals in South Korea who are victims of human trafficking

What changed in the latest version

Before

Before this change, foreign nationals who were victims of violence, such as domestic violence or human trafficking, likely faced problems. These problems arose when applying for residence permits, including extensions of stay. This was especially true if their residence was linked to an abuser's address. It also applied if they could not attend the standard immigration office that had authority over their area.

After

Foreign nationals who are victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, or human trafficking can now apply for residence permission. They can submit these applications at either the immigration office responsible for their registered home address or the immigration office responsible for the shelter or protection facility where they are staying. This change covers procedures related to residence, such as requests to extend the period of stay. This gives eligible victims another place to handle their immigration matters. It means they do not have to go back to the area linked to their previous home address. The Ministry of Justice announced this improved procedure on 4 September 2026.

This policy change is important because it solves potential administrative hurdles for vulnerable foreign nationals who need residence permits in South Korea. By allowing applications at the immigration office closest to their protective facility, it makes travel less of a burden. This adjustment makes the application process simpler for victims. It may also reduce stress and make it easier to get essential legal status. It ensures that foreign nationals who have experienced serious human rights violations can more easily keep their legal right to stay in the country while seeking protection.

Explained simply

Imagine you're a young person from another country living in South Korea, and you've been hurt or abused. If you had to apply for permission to stay in the country, it might have been really hard because your address was linked to the person who hurt you, or you were too scared to go to the usual office. Now, the government has made it easier. If you're staying in a safe house or a special place for people like you, you can apply for your stay permit at the immigration office that looks after that safe house. This means you don't have to go to a dangerous place or deal with your abuser just to sort out your papers, making it much safer and simpler for you.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v1Effective 4 Sept 2026EffectiveHigh impact
    South Korea Streamlines Residence Applications for Foreign Nationals Who Are Victims of Violence

    The South Korean Ministry of Justice has improved how foreign nationals who are victims of violence can apply for residence permits. This change allows foreign nationals who have suffered domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, or human trafficking to submit their applications. This includes applications to extend their stay. They can apply at the immigration office or branch office that covers the area where their shelter or protective facility is located. The Ministry made this announcement on 4 September 2026.

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