Korea considers granting long-term residency to Indonesian who saved elderly neighbors in wildfire

Summary

Sugiento, a 31-year-old Indonesian fisherman in Yonga County, became a hero during the recent wildfires in South Korea. As the fires reached the village at night, Sugiento, alongside the village's fishing community leader, went door-to-door warning residents to evacuate. He carried elderly neighbors to safety, with one resident crediting him with saving many lives. In recognition of his bravery, the South Korean government is considering granting Sugiento long-term residency. His act of heroism follows a similar case from 2018 when a Sri Lankan worker was granted permanent residency after rescuing a woman from a fire.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sugiento, a 31-year-old Indonesian fisherman, became a hero during the recent wildfires in South Korea's North and South Kong provinces.
• 😀 The wildfire hit Yong Doug at around 11 p.m., while most residents were asleep.
• 😀 Sugiento and the head of the fishing community went door to door to warn villagers to evacuate.
• 😀 Sugiento carried elderly neighbors on his back, running 300 meters to a seawall to save them.
• 😀 A 90-year-old resident praised Sugiento, stating that many villagers would have died without his selfless actions.
• 😀 Sugiento arrived in South Korea eight years ago as a fisherman on an employment visa.
• 😀 The South Korean government is considering granting Sugiento long-term residency for his heroic efforts.
• 😀 The Immigration Control Act allows the Minister of Justice to grant long-term residency to individuals who have contributed significantly to South Korea.
• 😀 In 2018, a Sri Lankan migrant named Nimal received permanent residency for rescuing a woman from a fire while working in an apple orchard.
• 😀 Sugiento’s heroism is one of the rare instances where foreigners have been granted permanent residency for saving lives and property in South Korea.

Q & A

Who is Sugiento, and what role did he play during the wildfires in South Korea?

Sugiento is a 31-year-old Indonesian fisherman who played a heroic role during the wildfires in South Korea. He went door to door, warning residents to evacuate and helped carry elderly neighbors to safety. He also led the evacuation of villagers to a seawall, saving many lives.

What did Sugiento do to assist the elderly residents during the wildfire?

Sugiento carried elderly neighbors on his back and helped them reach safety, running around 300 meters to a seawall away from the residential area.

How did the village resident in her 90s describe Sugiento's actions?

A 90-year-old resident stated that half of the people in the village might have died if it weren't for Sugiento, who put his life on the line to save others during the wildfire.

How long has Sugiento been living in South Korea, and what was his employment status?

Sugiento arrived in South Korea about eight years ago and worked as a fisherman in the village on an employment visa.

What recognition is Sugiento receiving for his bravery during the wildfires?

The South Korean government is considering granting Sugiento long-term residency status due to his heroic actions in saving villagers from the wildfire.

What is the Immigration Control Act, and how does it relate to Sugiento's situation?

The Immigration Control Act allows the South Korean Minister of Justice to grant long-term residency to individuals who have made significant contributions to the country. Sugiento's heroic actions in saving lives during the wildfire may qualify him for this status.

Has any other foreigner been granted permanent residency for similar acts of heroism in South Korea?

Yes, in 2018, a Sri Lankan migrant worker named Nimal was granted permanent residency after rescuing a 90-year-old woman from a fire, despite being in an undocumented status at the time.

What was Nimal’s situation before he received permanent residency?

Nimal was an undocumented migrant worker in South Korea, working at an apple orchard to earn money for his mother's cancer treatment. His heroic act of rescuing a woman from a fire led to his permanent residency being granted.

What is the significance of Sugiento’s case in the context of foreign residents in South Korea?

Sugiento’s case is one of the rare instances where a foreigner in South Korea is being considered for long-term residency due to a heroic act. It highlights the possibility for non-citizens to be recognized for their contributions to the public good.

How does this story reflect the relationship between foreign workers and South Korean society?

This story illustrates that foreign workers can have a significant positive impact on South Korean society, even in times of crisis. It also shows that the government may reward such contributions, potentially fostering greater inclusion and recognition of migrant workers in the country.