A Study on Post-Arab Spring Migration of the Middle East and the Status of Yemeni and Afghan Asylum-seekers in Korea

Abstract

The turmoil of the decade after the 2011 Arab Spring has changed the migration patterns of MENA that had long been a frequent phenomena of the region since early human civilization. Traditional dispersal was concentrated between MENA countries, and from MENA countries to Europe or North America. However, since 2011, as migration from the Middle East hasbeen dealt as human security and national security agendas of host countries, migration destinations for nationals from MENA countries have diversified. T the number of immigrants has increased from MENA countries to Korea after the Arab Spring. Therefore, based on international law, this study examines how to understand migration from the MENA countries after the Arab Spring and analyses the influx of Yemenis and Afghans which had a great impact on Korean society in 2018 and 2021. Through the legal analysis on the settlement of special contributors of Afghanistan and humanitarian stay permit to Yemenis, this study will examine the implications for possible policy recommendations on refugees and immigration policies of Korea.