Humanitarian stay permits

A humanitarian stay permit is granted to people not recognised as refugees but who would face danger to life or safety on return.

What it is

• Where the refugee assessment does not recognise you as a refugee but there is serious risk such as torture or inhuman treatment, a stay may still be permitted.
• If granted, a residence status such as G-1 is issued, allowing residence and activity within defined limits.
• It has a set period and is subject to extension review.

Requirements, treatment and permitted activities are set by law and guidelines. Always confirm with 1345, your immigration office and support organisations.

How it works

1. Apply for refugee status. See refugee-application.
2. If the assessment does not recognise you as a refugee, humanitarian stay may be considered alongside.
3. If granted, receive the status and register.
4. Apply for extension before expiry. Don't miss the deadline.

Where to get help

• 1345 Immigration Contact Centre
• The refugee section of your immigration office
• Refugee support and public interest legal organisations — help with procedure and written submissions.
• 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation

Where to go

• 1345 Immigration Contact Centre (20 languages)
• Your local immigration office
• 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation
• 1577-1366 interpretation
• 129 Health and Welfare Call Centre (living costs, medical care)

Questions people ask

Can I work? It depends on the status and the scope permitted. Always confirm with 1345 and your immigration office, and never work without permission.

Can I bring my family? It depends on the case. Consult your immigration office and support organisations.

Medical costs are a burden. Check health insurance eligibility with 1577-1000, and if it is difficult, look into 129 and free clinics. See free-clinics.

The assessment is taking a long time. Maintaining your status throughout matters. Track the expiry date and don't miss the extension.

Take care

Falsifying documents leads to cancellation and criminal prosecution. Don't follow a broker's advice on "what to write". Setting out the plain truth with a support organisation is the safest course.

Related

refugee-application · asylum-support · g1-miscellaneous · visa-refusal-appeal

Source

Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice www.hikorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08