Sharjah24 - Reuters: Nearly 400 evacuated Afghans arrived on Thursday in Seoul, where the government said it was amending the law to allow long-term stays for those who worked on South Korean projects in Afghanistan before the Taliban seized power this month.
Immigration is a contentious issue in South Korea even as the population of 52 million ages rapidly and the labour force dwindles.
At least two flights were to bring in 391 people, including the families of workers at the Korean embassy, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), a hospital and Korean government-run vocational training institute and military bases.
Justice Minister Park Beom-kye said many Koreans had received international support after having had to flee during the Korean War, from 1950 to 1953.
"Now it is time for us to return the favour," he told a briefing at Incheon airport outside the capital, before the arrival.
The government was in the process of amending immigration laws to grant the Afghans long-term residency as foreigners who had provided special service to the country, Park added.
For an optimal experience, please
