South Korea’s proposed foreign crime bill sparks xenophobia fears over migration
Critics say a bill to publish crime stats on foreign nationals stigmatises immigrants and ignores data showing their lower crime rates
Civic organisations said on Thursday that the proposal would stigmatise immigrants by singling them out as potential criminals, despite evidence showing that foreign residents are less likely to commit crimes than South Koreans on average.
“Crime statistics based on race or nationality carry a strong stigmatising effect and can reinforce social discrimination against specific groups,” a coalition of migrant rights organisations said in a statement.
The groups noted that law enforcement agencies already collect such data, arguing that there is no reason for the justice ministry to carry out similar measures.
“Prosecutors and police already compile crime statistics by nationality, and the crime rate among foreign nationals is roughly half that of Korean citizens. Given this, it is difficult to see what public benefit would come from the proposed bill.”
If passed, the bill would take effect six months after its promulgation.