Title
Apostille Korea issues the immigration record certificate needed to vote after returning home Overseas Koreans unable to leave the country because of COVID-19 must file a report with an immigration record certificate and identification in order to vote in Korea.
- Related countries
- 한국
Content
Apostille Korea said it is supporting the contactless issuance of immigration record certificates for overseas Koreans who cannot depart because of entry restrictions. Applications can be filed online or by mobile, and in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province the document can be received by same-day courier.
- Korea faced restrictions from 114 countries in all, made up of 49 entry bans and 65 places tightening quarantine and inspection.
- Absentee voters abroad are students, expatriate staff and travellers who hold the vote but must cast it overseas, while overseas electors are permanent residents without resident registration.
- Anyone who registered to vote abroad but then returned must either withdraw within the set period or file a returning-voter report.
- The returning-voter report requires an immigration record certificate and identification, and Apostille Korea supports contactless issuance.
How a returning overseas Korean votes at home
As COVID-19 spread worldwide, a growing number of countries banned or restricted entry. In Korea the total came to 114 countries, made up of 49 entry bans and 65 places tightening quarantine and inspection, leaving departure abroad difficult in practice. That left people who had registered to vote from abroad ahead of the general election on 15 April stuck inside the country. Absentee voters abroad are students, expatriate staff and travellers who hold the right to vote but must cast it overseas, while overseas electors are nationals aged 18 or over who hold permanent residency and have no resident registration. To vote inside Korea, they must file a separate report. Within the set period a withdrawal form for the overseas absentee ballot is enough, and beyond that period a returning-voter report may be submitted in person at the competent election commission or by post from the first of the following month until the election day on the 15th. In that case an immigration record certificate and identification such as a driving licence or passport must also be prepared.
How to obtain the certificate
Apostille Korea operates a route in which the immigration record certificate is requested online or by mobile in a few clicks, without visiting a government office. No digital certificate, computer, printer or ink is needed to apply. The issued document can be received by email or at a location the applicant designates. In Seoul and Gyeonggi Province it can also arrive by same-day courier. The company said it also handles documents that have to be submitted from Korea abroad, from abroad to Korea and from one foreign country to another while border restrictions continue.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone who registered to vote abroad but returned home vote in Korea?
Yes, provided a separate report is filed. Within the set period a withdrawal form is enough; beyond it, a returning-voter report can be submitted from the first of the following month until the election day on the 15th.
What documents does the returning-voter report require?
An immigration record certificate and identification such as a driving licence or passport. The report may be filed in person at the competent election commission or sent by post.
Can the immigration record certificate be obtained without a visit?
It can be requested online or by mobile, with no digital certificate or printer needed. It is received by email or at a designated location, and same-day courier is available in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province.
Source: 시사매거진 · 2020-03-11