재외동포의 법적 지위에 관한 소고 - 방문취업제 적용 외국국적동포를 중심으로 -

Abstract

It has been 30 years since the Overseas Koreans Act was enacted. Meanwhile, the overseas Korean society is also undergoing multi-layered and complex changes. Overseas Koreans who have succeeded in settling in Korea, overseas Koreans who are having difficulties in settlement, overseas Koreans with capital and those who depend on their capital, overseas Koreans who have acquired nationality and overseas Koreans who do not. It is necessary to improve the legal system related to overseas Koreans in accordance with the changes and circumstances of the overseas Korean society. Improving the status of overseas Koreans and changing public perceptions to embrace them requires a long-term process of mutual understanding and coexistence. In order for Korean society to achieve sustainable development, it is necessary to embrace overseas Koreans without discrimination. They should be classified according to their specific status and qualifications and should not be treated discriminatory. Improvement of the legal system and the preparation of policies related to overseas Koreans will be an important foundation for accelerating this situation. If the legislative purpose of the Constitution and the laws related to overseas Koreans is to accept and treat excluded Koreans as members of the “national” and as partners of the “historical community” who have shared historical experiences, the legislator must relevant laws and regulations should be systematically reorganized in accordance with the legislative purpose. It is also necessary to consider enacting a unified law that includes securing material means, providing employment opportunities, convenience in sojourn, and enjoyment of cultural resources, so that overseas Koreans can be treated equally and integrated into Korean society. If necessary, such a law can also include the basis for the establishment of a integrated institution that can promote it. In addition, the new law will be able to contain the responsibility for improving the awareness base of indigenous peoples (the indigenous peoples), which is an important axis of social cohesion.