Gyeonggi-do Province on Jan. 1 announced its provision of subsidies for the children of undocumented foreign residents in the province's cities of Hwaseong, Anseong and Icheon. Shown are youngsters from multicultural families at a cultural diversity awareness program last year at Songrin Ieumteo Library in Hwaseong. (Hwaseong City Foreigner Welfare Center)

By Lee Dasom

Gyeonggi-do Province on Jan. 1 announced monthly subsidies for the children of undocumented foreign residents, a first for a local government in the country.

Eligible for KRW 100,00 per month are such children enrolled at daycare facilities in the province, with the sum to be paid directly to the centers.

The children of Koreans had received KRW 280,000-KRW 570,000 in subsidies per month and those of registered expats KRW 150,000, while the offspring of undocumented foreign residents were not eligible. Gyeonggi-do said its purpose for this project is to remove blind spots in child care and welfare.

Reflecting regional demographics and administrative conditions, the project will launch trial operations in the province's cities of Hwaseong, Anseong and Icheon and gradually expand to other regions after stabilizing the system.

Another initiative is a public confirmation system for the children of undocumented foreign residents. It will issue identification certificates to allow such youth to access public services and assistance from private organizations.

dlektha0319@korea.kr