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By Jung Min-ho
The Bucheon city government is offering stimulus money to foreigners, including undocumented ones, to help them cope with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The ordinance passed by the city council on April 29 states marriage immigrants, permanent residents and all the other foreign residents recognized by the mayor as those in need of aid are eligible to receive 50,000 won ($41) each just like Korean residents.
In early drafts, foreigners, except F-5 and F-6 visa holders, were excluded from the benefit. But councilor Jung Jae-hyun said undocumented foreigners should also be included. Among 33 other council members, 26 consented.
"It is right to support all members of our community, including foreigners, as they financially struggle during the pandemic," councilor Kim Dong-hee said in a statement.
Beneficiaries of the city's policy can apply separately for stimulus money from the Gyeonggi provincial government.
