Latest news with #F-6
Korea Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Who gets Korea's cash handout? Rules for foreign residents explained
If you're a permanent resident covered by the national health insurance system, check the detailed criteria — you may be eligible for at least 150,000 won Foreign residents living with Korean nationals may be eligible for South Korea's new cash handout program, which aims to revive consumer spending and bolster household income starting July 21. Backed by a supplementary budget of 31.8 trillion won ($23.3 billion), the program offers a one-time payment of at least 150,000 won (about $110) to all Koreans residing in the country as of June 18. "The purpose of the 'consumption coupons' is to stimulate sluggish spending, revitalize the local economy, and support Korean incomes. Therefore, in principle, foreigners are excluded,' Vice Interior Minister Kim Min-jae said at a briefing on Saturday. Still, he noted that some exceptions apply. Foreign nationals may qualify if they are listed on the same household registration as at least one Korean and are enrolled in the national health insurance system, either as a subscriber or dependent, or if they receive medical aid. They may also apply if they are permanent residents with an F-5 visa, marriage migrants with an F-6 visa, or recognized refugees with an F-2-4 visa and are covered by national health insurance or medical aid. Korean citizens who have been staying abroad can also receive the payment if they return to Korea between June 18 and Sept. 12 and verify their entry records. A second rollout of the subsidy program is planned for September, with 90 percent of all Koreans eligible to receive a fixed payment of 100,000 won. Eligibility will be determined based on income and asset levels. For foreign nationals and refugees, the same criteria apply as in the first program. And if you live outside the greater Seoul area or in designated regions facing rapid population decline, you will receive an additional 30,000 or 50,000 won. The coupons can be used at small local businesses with annual revenue under 3 billion won, including traditional markets, neighborhood supermarkets, restaurants, barbershops and beauty salons. They cannot be used at major discount chains, department stores, duty-free shops, or directly operated franchise outlets. Applications and distribution will continue for eight weeks through September 12. Payments will be issued via credit or debit cards, prepaid cards, or local government-issued gift certificates. The money can be used until Nov. 30. Any unused balance after that date will be returned to the government.
Express Tribune
12-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Professional panhandlers thrive in capital
Amidst repeated action against beggars by Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, the city continues to witness a rise in the number of beggars at its streets, markets and traffic intersections. In most of areas of main city and housing societies in the suburbs, they are seen in abundance with scores among them are permanent and professional seeming like to be part of a nexus operating in the city. Some residents have pointed out that many of these permanent beggars are travelled to designated places daily in the morning and picked up in the evening by their masters after day long begging in these areas. Particularly busy areas like F-6, F-7, F-10 Markaz, capital's main traffic signals and housing societies along Islamabad Expressway including PWD, Police Foundation and Pakistan Town commercial areas have witnessed a surge in beggars including women and children, soliciting money from commuters and shoppers. Expressing concerns on prevailing situation, the residents have demanded strict enforcement of anti-begging laws, arguing that unchecked beggary not only tarnishes Islamabad's reputation but also resulting in petty crimes. They are also perturbed on re-emergence of beggars groups after a couple of days of action by ICT administration who occasionally launch operation against these beggars, nab them and put behind the bars. But, this practice could not prove to be a permanent solution to this menace as there are also reports that many rag pickers conduct recce in different areas during the day that leads to theft and robbery after sunset. Citizens in many localities have expressed frustration over frequent encounters with organized groups of beggars as well as the crimes like snatching or plundering valuables and breaking into houses, also threatening human lives. "Once regarded as one of the most orderly and serene cities in South Asia, Islamabad is now grappling with a persistent and increasingly visible challenge of beggary," remarked a businessman, Saleem Khan. "From traffic signals to bustling markets, the city's thoroughfares are teeming with individuals with many of them seeming like part of organized groups or an unseen nexus operating in the city," Saleem Khan said. "Some of them aggressively seek alms and when refused either they abuse you or scratch your vehicles and run away. " Since they are professional engaged in this notorious practice for years, they have numerous techniques to allure people. "Their techniques range from sympathetic women holding infants, children selling flowers, some knocking windows of your car and some elderly begging for medical treatment or marriage of their daughters," said Aiman Baig, a working woman. "Some among them are too sticky and arrogant and also pass derogatory remarks when refused alms. " She said, whether it is intersection at Aabpara, traffic-laden Jinnah Avenue or other areas in the city, you can find them everywhere. Amina Rafeeq, a local resident describes it as very uncomfortable and says, "even if you desire to help someone needy, you cannot ascertain who is genuinely deserving and who belongs to a nexus."
