Pro-, anti-refugees rallies held

Supporters, right, of Yemeni asylum seekers in Korea stage a rally in front of Sejongno Police Box in central Seoul, Saturday, urging the government to allow the refugees to stay, while protesters, left, in Gwanghwamun Plaza call for the law to be changed to block “fake asylum seekers.” Yonhap

By Lee Kyung-min

Two rallies with clashing views on refugees were held over the weekend, in the latest development in the ongoing controversy concerning Yemeni asylum seekers, an increasing number of whom came to Jeju Island over the past few months to escape the ongoing civil war that began in 2015.

Hundreds of protesters varying in age from teenagers to over 50 gathered at Gwanghwamun in central Seoul, demanding the government abolish a visa waiver program under which foreigners can stay for up to 30 days being given a visa on entry. Nationals from all but 11 countries suspected of being sponsors of terrorism are eligible for the program implemented in 2002 to promote the economy and attract foreign spending on the resort island.

Protesters chanted slogans including “Korean people's safety first,” “We want safety,” “Abolish no-visa policy” and “Who is this country for?”

The seemingly harsh sentiment was met by a more compassionate group nearby, where about same number of rally participants demanded Korea be more embracing towards the displaced. “Protests organized by anti-asylum seekers claim they want safety all the while fanning hatred and bigotry,” the group said. “If they really want safety, they should remain open to foreigners, rather than forcing them to take 3D jobs ― labor-intensive work characterized as dirty, difficult and dangerous ― helping them achieve goals and encouraging them to contribute to Korean society.”

Police officers were mobilized near the protest sites but withdrew later as no violent clashes occurred.

The rallies came amid growing hostility against Yemeni asylum seekers. The sentiment was compounded by “asylum seeker-friendly policies” by the Jeju government which sought to help them find jobs. The humanitarian initiative was deemed an “undue favor” by many Koreans left with little compassion due to fierce job competition amid continued financial struggles. The Ministry of Justice said last week stringent screening measures will be put in place to limit the number of those guaranteed refugee status.