The Ministry of Justice has announced on the 31st that it will waive various immigration-related fees and nationality application fees for foreign nationals residing in the “Special Disaster Zones” designated due to large-scale wildfires in the Yeongnam region until April 30th. As of the end of February, there were a total of 18,578 foreigners residing in the affected areas.
The special disaster zones currently include Sancheong County, Ulju County, Hadong County, Andong City, Cheongsong County, Yeongyang County, and Yeongdeok County. The waiver applies to those registered as foreign residents (including residence reports) in these disaster-declared areas from the date of declaration.
In detail, the Ministry plans to minimize the impact on foreigners by waiving penalties for those unable to extend their stay within the designated period due to wildfire damage. Additionally, penalties or fines for violating various permit/report obligations will be waived until April. However, violations that started before the disaster declaration will consider only the period from the declaration date for penalties.
Furthermore, for foreign seasonal workers unable to continue employment due to the wildfire damage, the Ministry will permit changes to other agricultural work locations to enable continued employment. To facilitate smooth employment once agricultural work resumes, visas will be issued promptly.