What changed for foreign victims of domestic violence and other abuse in Korea's immigration permit process?

They can now apply for stay extensions and other permits at immigration offices that have jurisdiction over the shelters where they are staying. The Ministry of Justice changed the rule because visiting offices near a former residence could expose their whereabouts and threaten their safety.

Why did the Ministry of Justice change the visa extension rules for foreign abuse victims?

The ministry said victims who fled abuse might have to return to the area of their registered address under the old rule, which could risk encountering the perpetrator. The revision is meant to let them keep their legal status without facing extra safety risks while applying for immigration permits.

When did Korea's new rule for foreign victims of violence take effect, and who does it cover?

The measure took effect on Aug. 24. It covers foreign nationals seeking legal remedies after domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse or human trafficking.

Korea eases visa extension rules for foreign victims of crime

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Summary

The Ministry of Justice has revised rules to let foreign victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse and other human rights violations apply for stay extensions and other permits at immigration offices linked to the shelters where they are staying, Friday. The change is meant to keep victims from having to return to their registered addresses and risk exposing their whereabouts to perpetrators. It took effect Aug. 24 and applies to foreign nationals seeking legal remedies under the Immigration Act.

Key Facts

Before the revision, foreign nationals had to apply for immigration permits at offices covering their registered addresses.
The new rule applies to victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse and human trafficking under the Immigration Act.
The Ministry of Justice said the policy change is intended to prevent victims from being put at additional safety risk while seeking immigration permits.

By Jung Da-hyun

Published Sep 4, 2026 4:02 pm KST

A sign for the Ministry of Justice is seen at Government Complex Gwacheon in Gyeonggi Province, Thursday. Yonhap

Foreign nationals who are victims of crimes such as domestic violence will now be able to apply for permission to remain in the country, through immigration offices with jurisdiction over the shelters where they are staying.

According to the Ministry of Justice, Friday, it has revised the rules to allow foreign victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse and other human rights violations to apply for extensions of stay and other permits at the immigration offices with jurisdiction over the shelters where they are staying, rather than their places of residence.

Previously, foreign nationals were required to apply for immigration permits at offices covering their registered addresses.

Concerns had been raised that requiring victims who fled domestic violence or other abuse to visit immigration offices near their former residences could expose their whereabouts and put their safety at risk.

In response, the ministry expanded the rules so the foreign victims would not have to risk returning to the area of their registered address and potentially encountering the perpetrator of the crime.

The measure, which took effect Aug. 24, applies to foreign nationals seeking legal remedies after experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse or human trafficking, as stipulated under the Immigration Act.

The ministry said it will continue to improve related measures to ensure that foreign victims of violence can maintain their legal status without facing additional safety risks while applying for immigration permits.

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