정부, 미등록 외국인 의료접근성 확대해야<br /><br />South Korea is trying to curb the spread of COVID-19 even further by helping undocumented immigrants.<br />As well as offering treatment guidelines in 16 different languages, the government is also offering free diagnosis, treatment and interpretation services at medical facilities.<br />Our Choi Won-jong tells us more.<br />South Korean health officials have shifted their attention to the undocumented immigrants that are going undetected in the blind spots of Korea's quarantine measures.<br />The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday that officials have come up with new plans to help around 390-thousand undocumented foreigners.. who are possibly in need of medical attention during the COVID-19 outbreak.<br />"We will provide COVID-19 treatment guides in 16 languages for nearly 390-thousand undocumented immigrants. We will also give free COVID-19 diagnosis, treatment and face-to-face interpretation services at local clinics."<br />Janjua, not using his real name, is one of 390-thousand undocumented immigrants in Korea, and moved from Pakistan 15 years ago.<br />He was working under refugee status with a G-1 visa, which temporarily allowed him to apply for a work permit and live in the country.<br />However, after his visa expired, he said, without Korean friends to help, he would be reluctant to visit local hospitals.<br />“If somebody doesn’t have Korean friends, and you don't know about the policies or regulations. I think he’s very hesitant to go to , because thinking that they maybe call police and immigration, and send back to my country.”<br />To help undocumented immigrants feel less hesitant about visiting medical facilities, the government has decided to temporarily halt its immigration crackdown.<br />In the meantime, the South Korean government is also planning to make temporary exemptions with immigration offices to ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in the future. Choi Won-jong, Arirang News.<br />
