In an effort to prevent drain and attract talented foreign labor, the government of South Korea recently approved a law that allows foreigners dual citizenship upon fulfillment of certain requirements. This includes Filipinos working in the country with “exceptional talent”.
People flock at Haeundae beach in Busan, Korea during the holidays in August. Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/95595486@N00/
Previously, only those who had lived in Korea for five years or longer, or were married to Korean nationals and had stayed here for over two years were allowed naturalization.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, citing a report from the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, said this is aimed at preventing brain drain and bringing in talented foreigners.
In an article on its website, the DFA said the revisions in the nationality act allowing dual citizenship applies to:
* Foreigners with “exceptional talent”
* Foreigners married to South Koreans
* Koreans adopted overseas as minors
* Koreans who gained foreign nationality through marriage
* Overseas Koreans who are over 65 years old, and
* Koreans who gained dual citizenship at birth, if they apply for dual citizenship and take the oath of allegiance before turning 22 years old.
Previously, South Korea allowed naturalization only for foreigners who lived there for five years or longer and those who married Korean nationals and have stayed in the country for over two years.
On the other hand, the new immigration law also allowed the collection of fingerprints and photos of foreigners arriving in the country to bolster security against terrorism.
“This law would apply to foreigners 17 years old or older, except for officials of foreign governments and international organizations, as well as others exempted under a presidential decree,” the DFA said.
Dual citizenship will be granted on the condition that those concerned take an oath not to exercise their rights as a foreign national while staying here.
Foreigners married to Koreans are included on the list of people eligible for dual citizenship, along with Koreans who gained foreign nationality through marriage or adoption.
Also included are overseas Koreans over 65 years old and Koreans who gained dual citizenship at birth, if they apply for the dual citizenship and take the oath before turning 22 years old.
Loading ...