Suwon City and Gyeonggi Province Foreign Resident Disaster Basic Income: 12.26% Applied on First Day

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] On the first day of applications for disaster basic income for foreign residents in Suwon City and Gyeonggi Province, 12.26% of all eligible applicants completed their applications.

Suwon City and Gyeonggi Province are each providing 100,000 won in disaster basic income (totaling 200,000 won) to foreign residents. Eligible applicants are married immigrants (F-6 visa) and permanent residents (F-5 visa) who were registered with a place of residence in Gyeonggi Province by 11:59 p.m. on May 4 and are registered with a place of residence in Suwon City as of the date of application. The total number of eligible persons is 11,454. On the first day, 1,404 people applied.

Applications must be submitted by visiting the local administrative welfare center by July 31. A total of 200,000 won per person from Suwon City and Gyeonggi Province disaster basic income will be distributed via prepaid card. The funds can be used at Gyeonggi local currency merchants in Suwon City until August 31.

Personal application is the principle, but minors or those unable to apply in person due to unavoidable circumstances may have a representative apply. Representatives must submit identification cards for both the applicant and proxy, and documents proving that the applicant and proxy are family members.

A 'five-day application rotation system' will be implemented from June 1-5. Those born in years ending in 2 or 7 must apply on Tuesday, those ending in 3 or 8 on Wednesday, 4 or 9 on Thursday, and 5 or 0 on Friday. From June 8, anyone can apply regardless of the day of the week.

Applications can be made at administrative welfare centers from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. until June 5, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays from June 8 to July 31.

Foreign residents who have difficulty communicating in Korean will be assisted in applying through foreign resident support and private consignment facilities that can connect them with volunteer interpreters and translators.

One foreign resident who applied for disaster basic income on the first day said, "As the COVID-19 crisis prolonged, I faced financial difficulties to the point of worrying about my livelihood." He added, "Receiving the foreign resident disaster basic income has eased my concerns somewhat." He continued, "The foreign resident disaster basic income support seems like a good policy without discrimination."

For inquiries, contact the Gyeonggi-do Call Center (031-120) or the Suwon City Human Call Center (1899-3300).