Unprecedented surge in Russian asylum applications rocks South Korea
25 February 2024 15:36
The Ukraine conflict. Stay updated with the latest information LIVE
In the previous year, 5,750 Russians sought asylum in South Korea, showcasing a fivefold increase in contrast with the 1,038 individuals the year before. Furthermore, the data shows that in 2023, Russian citizens submitted more applications for international protection in South Korea than the total from the preceding 23 years (1994-2017).
Russians are escaping in large numbers to South Korea
During the last year, Russians consisted of the most significant nationality amongst almost 19,000 individuals applying for asylum in South Korea. They were followed by citizens of Kazakhstan (2,094), China (1,282), and Malaysia (1,205).
South Korea possesses strict immigration laws, with the asylum process being particularly rigid. From 1994 until the conclusion of 2023, nearly 104,000 people sought refugee status in South Korea. Only 4,052 were granted asylum according to the report from the South Korean Ministry of Justice.
Source: PAP
