World Immigration News

Lawmaker proposes releasing crime data on foreign residents by visa status, country of origin

Release Date: 2026-01-05
Media: The Korea Times
Summary: A South Korean lawmaker has proposed an amendment to require the government to disclose crime statistics involving foreign residents in greater detail, broken down by visa status and country of origin. The proposal argues that while data on the number of foreign residents is already public, crime statistics are not systematically released in a way that allows accurate analysis or evidence-based policymaking.

Supporters say the measure is intended to improve transparency and enable more effective crime prevention, not to stigmatize specific nationalities or visa groups. They stress that the absence of reliable, detailed data can fuel misinformation and public anxiety about foreign residents.

The proposal comes amid growing public concern, as police data show that the number of foreign crime suspects increased in 2024 compared with the previous year, including rises in offenses such as theft, fraud, drug crimes, and traffic violations. If passed, the revised law would require the justice minister to compile and publish annual statistics, potentially using data from multiple government agencies, with the law expected to take effect six months after promulgation.
Tags: Korea

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