Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon speaks during a meeting with ruling People Power Party (PPP) lawmakers at the National Assembly in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon warned, Wednesday, that Korea could disappear from the map unless the nation implements effective immigration policies, and called for parliamentary support for his ministry's push to launch a new government agency handling immigration affairs.

"When it comes to immigration policies, we have passed the stage of deliberating whether to implement them or not. Because if we don't, we cannot escape the fate of extinction due to the demographic catastrophe," Han said during a meeting with lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) at the National Assembly in Seoul.

However, Han made it clear that the envisioned launch of the immigration agency does not mean that the government will carry out entirely foreigner-friendly measures. Rather, the administration seeks to take a selective stance in accepting foreign nationals and establish what he called a "stronger grip" on those who are overstaying their visas.

"The policies we aim to pursue are not about simply accepting a large number of foreigners. Instead, we will accept only foreign nationals who meet our needs based on thorough assessments, while strengthening crackdowns on undocumented migrants," he said.

The minister stressed that the purpose of the immigration agency is to realize the practical interests of the nation and its people, and not to introduce diverse cultures based on humanitarian purposes.

During the meeting, Han provided details of the ministry's plan to establish the immigration agency, asking for parliamentary support. Cooperation between the justice ministry and PPP lawmakers will involve proposing related bills, as the creation of a new government entity requires revisions to the Government Organization Act.

Meanwhile, local governments are vying to attract the immigration agency.

Several local municipalities are competing to attract the immigration agency, whose establishment could help the surrounding area address issues such as a declining birthrate and a shortage of workers.

Ansan Mayor Lee Min-geun, left, delivers a proposal letter to Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon to host the immigration agency in Ansan during a meeting held at the Ministry of Justice in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, Nov. 28. Courtesy of Ansan City Hall

Among others, Ansan City in Gyeonggi Province has shown keen interest.

Ansan is home to over 94,000 residents of foreign nationality who come from a total of 118 countries, accounting for 13 percent of the city's 729,000 population. With the highest foreign population density in Korea, the industrial city has positioned itself as an ideal location for the immigration agency.

"Our infrastructure and experience in foreigner-related policies will be a big asset in operating the immigration agency. Establishing the agency here will be a pivotal move in presenting a future for the successful social integration of residents from immigrant backgrounds," Ansan Mayor Lee Min-geun said during a meeting with justice minister on Nov. 27.

In response, the minister said, "I am well aware that Ansan is taking a leading role in migrant-related policies, as well as the city's efforts to attract the immigration agency. We should work together to find ways to address the nation's pending issues such as the low birthrate."

Gimpo residents hold banners promoting the city's bid to host the immigration agency during a meeting on support measures for children from multicultural backgrounds, which was held at a community center in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, Nov. 31. Courtesy of Gimpo City Hall

Gimpo City, west of Seoul in Gyeonggi Province, is also promoting itself as the best candidate considering its proximity and accessibility to Incheon and Gimpo international airports. It said the immigration agency, if located in Gimpo, would benefit some 150,000 foreign residents living across nearby cities such as Goyang, Bucheon, Paju and Seoul's Gangseo District.

In the southeastern port city of Busan, a civic committee led by scholars and religious leaders was formed in October to help promote their willingness to host the immigration agency, although there has yet to be an official announcement by Busan City declaring its interest.

Discussions on the possible launch of a new immigration agency have gained momentum here since President Yoon Suk Yeol took office in May 2022, as it had been one of his campaign pledges. The justice minister has also been stressing the importance of improved immigration policies for the benefit of the nation.

The need for Korea to establish a separate government agency dedicated to migrant policies has long been stressed by many immigration experts and policymakers, who believe that the absence of a control tower to draft an overall policy framework is the main reason the country is failing to implement coherent immigration policies.

Currently, Korea's immigration policy is handled separately by different branches of the government.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor covers migrant workers. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family creates policies for marriage migrants and their children, while the Ministry of Education handles international students and the Ministry of Justice covers visa statuses and other administrative affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs deals with ethnic Koreans who are overseas.