The National Human Rights Commission of Korea has called for expanded access to national health insurance, including guardians of unregistered long-term resident children who suffered direct harm in recent incidents.
Background on Unregistered Long-Term Residents
Guardians of these children hold G-1-81 stay permits, designed primarily to locate undocumented immigrants and runaways. Officials note that enrolling such individuals poses risks to public resources and enforcement efforts.
National Health Insurance Service Position
The National Health Insurance Service limits enrollment under G-1 visas to principal applicants only. It classifies these permits as repatriation-focused statuses issued by the Ministry of Justice for undocumented individuals. Enrollment could enable accurate tracking of personal details and facilitate deportation, potentially straining protection mechanisms.
Foreign nationals lacking legal stay grounds have previously sought intervention from the commission, highlighting discrepancies in qualification applications.
Humanitarian Concerns Raised
The commission emphasizes that guardians must remain in the country to provide care and education for child victims, who lack stable support networks. Such situations demand flexible considerations beyond strict enforcement.
In cases of heightened repatriation risks, service provision becomes essential. Direct victims require immediate enrollment, while undocumented circumstances warrant comprehensive reviews of actual needs and service gaps.
Recommendations for Policy Adjustment
Authorities urge the National Health Insurance Service to refine guidelines. This includes targeted enrollment for guardians, alongside overall improvements in handling related claims.
