Human Rights Body Seeks More Equality for Foreign Spouses

The National Human Rights Commission wants to abolish a rule that makes it mandatory for foreign spouses to rely on their Korean partner for references. The NHRC said the rule is designed to prevent bogus marriages but violates the equality of husband and wife.

The NHRC plans to inform the minister of justice of its decision.

Under immigration and customs laws, an individual entering Korea by marrying a local citizen must submit a letter of reference from their Korean spouse when seeking extensions of their stay.

"The reason why foreign women often cannot defend themselves against violence from their Korean husbands is because they need the letters of reference in extending their stays here," an NHRC spokesman said. "If the system is scrapped, other documentation exist, such as the certificate of family relations, so no problems will arise in managing immigration and customs regulations."

In a survey on spousal abuse among mixed couples by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family last year, 38.2 percent of foreign wives said they had no alternative but to endure it.


(2011-10-4/english.chosun.com)