Hwaseong City to Provide Childcare Subsidies for Undocumented Children with Migrant Backgrounds Starting This Year

100,000 Won Monthly Support for Daycare Children
Official Verification Certificate System Also Introduced

Hwaseong City in Gyeonggi Province announced on January 8 that it will provide childcare subsidies and issue official verification certificates to guarantee the basic rights of undocumented children with migrant backgrounds who have been excluded from institutional support.

The childcare subsidy is available to undocumented foreign children attending daycare centers within the city. The support will be provided by granting 100,000 won per child per month directly to the daycare centers, thereby reducing the childcare fees for guardians.

The city explained that since 2023, it has fully subsidized childcare fees for registered foreign children. However, there has been no such support for undocumented children, resulting in many guardians giving up daycare enrollment due to financial burdens.

With this new support, the city aims not only to minimize care gaps for undocumented children with migrant backgrounds but also to provide early educational opportunities before entering the public education system. The city expects this will enhance community adaptability and social skills, ultimately reducing long-term social costs and promoting social integration.

The city will also implement a system to issue "official verification certificates" to children with migrant backgrounds.

By obtaining this certificate, undocumented children with migrant backgrounds will be able to access public services provided by the Hwaseong Global Youth Center (Jigu Byeol Hwaseong), the city's dedicated institution for supporting migrant youth. They will also be eligible to receive sponsorships linked to private resources.

The official verification certificate can be issued at the Hwaseong Global Youth Center, located within Hwaseong Citizen University in Bongdam-eup. For more information, inquiries can be made to the Hwaseong Global Youth Center.

Hwaseong City Mayor Jeong Myeonggeun stated, "Support for marginalized groups is essential for Hwaseong to become a healthy, inclusive multicultural society," adding, "We will continue to provide support to ensure that every child’s basic rights are protected without discrimination."

Previously, the city signed an agreement with the UNICEF Korea Committee last year and is currently promoting the "Project 169" initiative, which provides medical expense support for undocumented children with migrant backgrounds.