The path to inclusion for undocumented migrant children in South Korea

Abstract

This study focuses on undocumented migrant children in South Korea. The Korean migration policies are centered on marriage migrants and their children until recently, while the issue of undocumented migrant children of migrant workers has long been overlooked. Undocumented migrant children are placed in an extremely unstable situation both legally and practically. This study shows why their basic rights should be protected from the perspective of constitutional and international law. It examines the comprehensive legal and policy frameworks of migration and the newly introduced measures to protect these children in Korea. It concludes with a discussion of the shortcomings of the current system and recommendations for improvement.