Filipinos in South Korea were advised Friday of revisions to the immigration laws of South Korea allowing for dual citizenship to people meeting certain conditions.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, citing a report from the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, said this is aimed at preventing brain drain and bringing in talented foreigners.
In an article on its website, the DFA said the revisions in the nationality act allowing dual citizenship applies to:
* Foreigners with "exceptional talent" * Foreigners married to South Koreans * Koreans adopted overseas as minors * Koreans who gained foreign nationality through marriage * Overseas Koreans who are over 65 years old, and * Koreans who gained dual citizenship at birth, if they apply for dual citizenship and take the oath of allegiance before turning 22 years old.
Previously, South Korea allowed naturalization only for foreigners who lived there for five years or longer and those who married Korean nationals and have stayed in the country for over two years.
On the other hand, the new immigration law also allowed the collection of fingerprints and photos of foreigners arriving in the country to bolster security against terrorism.
"This law would apply to foreigners 17 years old or older, except for officials of foreign governments and international organizations, as well as others exempted under a presidential decree," the DFA said.—JV,
