Gyeonggi-do Launches Nation's First Social Integration Survey for Immigrants

Gyeonggi Province to Conduct First Nationwide "Immigrant Social Integration Survey"
Customized Policy Development Based on In-depth Analysis of Immigrants’ Living Conditions

Gyeonggi Province announced on the 12th that it will conduct the nation’s first "Immigrant Social Integration Survey" among local governments nationwide to understand the actual conditions of immigrants residing in the province and establish customized social integration policies.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

As of last year, the number of foreign residents in the province was 809,801, the highest in the country. However, immigrant social integration policies are operated differently by region and sector, making it necessary to develop effective policies. Accordingly, Gyeonggi Province plans to comprehensively investigate immigrants’ living conditions, employment, education, social participation, and more to establish a Gyeonggi Province-style social integration policy.

The survey targets more than 500 foreign residents living in each region of Gyeonggi Province and covers various areas including ▲social integration level ▲difficulties immigrants face in daily life in Korea ▲policy awareness and experience of using services ▲necessary support policies. In particular, key items such as communication, safety, labor, education, housing, health and welfare, and social contribution will be intensively analyzed to be used as basic data for policy development. Additionally, the survey results will be shared with 31 cities and counties to contribute to the advancement of social integration policies in Gyeonggi Province.

Gyeonggi Province plans to develop the survey questionnaire within this month, complete the survey and policy development by the second half of this year, and establish a sustainable social integration model through cooperation with related organizations and experts.

Lee Moon-hwan, head of the Immigration and Social Support Division, said, “We will secure objective and quantitative data to strengthen immigrant-tailored support policies and create an environment for harmonious coexistence between immigrants and local communities.”