Gyeonggi Province has become the first in Korea to pass a set of groundbreaking local laws designed to protect migrants and foreign residents. The new ordinances ban racial discrimination, safeguard refugee rights, and give recognition to undocumented children of foreign nationals living in the province.
The Gyeonggi Provincial Government announced that the provincial council approved the three ordinances last Friday. Officials said the measures are part of a long-term plan to strengthen equality, social integration, and migrant protection across the region.
One of the new laws focuses on banning racial discrimination. It requires equality regardless of race, nationality, language, or cultural background. The ordinance also calls for regular surveys, education campaigns, grievance relief systems, and the creation of a special committee to ensure the policy continues in the future.
Another law guarantees the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. It allows Gyeonggi to support access to housing, medical care, education, and jobs. Refugees with humanitarian stay permits are also covered. The ordinance provides for financial aid, counseling services, and entrepreneurship support while also creating an advisory committee to improve refugee policies.
The third ordinance deals with undocumented children born in Korea to foreign parents. For the first time, these children can now be officially recognized and included in the system. This legal confirmation will give them access to health care, child care, and education. It also establishes cooperation between administrative, welfare, and education agencies to better protect these children.
Gyeonggi Province plans to quickly follow up with practical measures. On October 28, it will host a forum at the National Assembly to present the ordinances and explore how similar protections can be expanded nationwide to support migrant communities and promote social inclusion.
“These ordinances are more than just legal steps — they are a social promise that residents and migrants can live without fear of discrimination,” said Huh Young-gil, head of Gyeonggi’s immigration policy division. “We will act quickly to put them into practice and lead the way in migrant policy.”