Inha University’s Institute of International Relations held a seminar at the National Assembly to examine nationality and residency challenges faced by returning overseas Koreans settled in South Korea, seeking practical institutional reforms.

Co-hosted with the Global Korean Community Cordia under the theme "Returning Overseas Koreans' Pending Issues and Policies: Focusing on Nationality and Residency," the seminar addressed institutional hurdles faced by Chinese-Koreans, Koryo-saram, and Sakhalin Koreans. These include complexities in nationality acquisition, dual citizenship, residency status, and civil registration.

Experts noted that with Chinese-Koreans residing in South Korea for nearly 30 years alongside the ongoing settlement of Koryo-saram and Sakhalin Koreans, policies must evolve. Traditional frameworks focused solely on supporting overseas Koreans abroad are no longer sufficient; South Korea must implement comprehensive policies that embrace domestic settlement and social integration.

The seminar gathered scholars, government officials, civil society members, and community activists to share real-life case studies and debate reforms for current nationality laws and immigration systems.

Following this, Inha University plans to broaden its research to encompass the legal status, residency, and domestic settlement of returning Koreans.

Director Lee Jin-young remarked, "Nationality issues for resident Koreans have long lacked attention. We hope this discussion establishes returning Koreans as key stakeholders and drives substantial institutional improvement."

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