Pinoys can now avail of Korean citizenship

Qualified Filipinos living in South Korea can now avail of Korean citizenship under its revised immigration law, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

In a report to the DFA, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul said the South Korean National Assembly recently passed revisions on its immigration law allowing for dual citizenship to people meeting certain conditions.

“This is aimed at preventing brain drain and bringing in talented foreigners,” the embassy said.

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas said there are around 70,000 Filipinos in Korea. Of this figure, 6,000 are permanent residents while an estimated 14,000 to 15,000 are undocumented.

According to the DFA, dual citizenship will only apply to: (1) foreigners with “exceptional talent”; (2) foreigners married to South Koreans; (3) Koreans adopted overseas as minors; (4) Koreans who gained foreign nationality through marriage; (5) overseas Koreans who are over 65 years old; and, (6) 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 Koreans and have stayed in the country for over two years.

The new immigration law also allows the collection of fingerprints and photos of foreigners arriving in the country to bolster security against terrorism.

This law applies 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. –Michaela P. del Callar, Daily Tribune