National Association of Multicultural Cities holds immigration policy forum

The National Association of Multicultural Cities held the ‘2026 National Association of Multicultural Cities National Assembly Immigration Policy Forum’ at the National Assembly Member's Hall in Seoul. The forum, themed ‘Social Integration in the Era of Immigration and the Role of Local Governments,’ focused on the need to shift immigration policy from a central government-centric model to one that incorporates the specific demographic and industrial needs of local communities.

Participants, including local government heads, immigration experts, and citizens, discussed strategies for helping migrants settle permanently rather than treating them merely as temporary labor. Experts from Seoul National University and the Migration Policy Institute presented on regionalized integration strategies and the competition for human resources in East Asia.

Key discussions highlighted the importance of local governments in fostering social integration and addressing social prejudices faced by foreign residents. The forum concluded with a consensus that immigration policies must reflect local realities, population structures, and resident demands to ensure stable settlement.