Decades Undocumented: Experts Call for Shared Responsibility in Migrant Policy

Experts are advocating for South Korea to provide a pathway to legal residency for undocumented migrants who have lived in the country for over a decade, arguing that their prolonged undocumented status is a consequence of outdated and misaligned immigration policies. This perspective emphasizes that society shares responsibility for the situation, given the socio-economic and political factors in migrants' home countries, coupled with South Korea's labor demands, that often drive migration.

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The most significant reason for the prolonged undocumented stay is responsibility for family. Reasons arise such as needing to work until children graduate from university, or needing to settle down for the sake of children born and raised in Korea.

A recent report, 'The Lives and Rights of Long-Term Undocumented Migrants,' presented the life stories of ten individuals who have lived in South Korea without legal status for anywhere from 10 to 30 years. The findings suggest that family responsibilities, such as supporting children through university or settling down for the sake of children born and raised in Korea, are significant reasons for the long-term undocumented stay. The report underscores that migration is not solely a personal choice but is deeply influenced by structural backgrounds, necessitating a shared responsibility between migrants, their home countries, and host societies like South Korea.

Concerns were also raised about the practicalities of South Korea's immigration policies, which are described as overly detailed and stringent, particularly concerning foreign labor utilization. This strictness, experts argue, creates a fine line between registered and undocumented status, contributing to the perpetuation of the problem. Instead of temporary amnesties, there is a call for a permanent, stable residency policy for long-term undocumented migrants.

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The difference between registered and unregistered migrants is razor-thin under these conditions.

Academics and activists propose creating a consistent channel for eligible undocumented migrants to apply for residency, aligning with international standards. They also advocate for a shift in discourse, replacing terms like 'illegal alien' with more neutral language such as 'undocumented' or 'non-regular' migrant. Furthermore, the framing of the issue should evolve from questioning 'Why are they undocumented?' to 'Why does Korean society continue to keep them undocumented?', highlighting the societal role in maintaining this status and urging a more humane and realistic policy approach.

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We need to shift the question from 'Why are they undocumented in Korea?' to 'Why does Korean society keep them undocumented?'