재외국민보호법 제정 필요성 및 법률안 검토

These days, number of tourists in foreign countries reached 19 million and 7 million Koreans reside and stay in foreign countries along by the trend of globalization and door open policy. With the increase of Korean nationals residing abroad, the number of Korean nationals getting involved in criminal cases or becoming a victim of crimes are also increasing. Kidnap and killing of Korean people in Iraq and Afghanistan, kidnap of Korean crews by pirates in Somalia, and Suspicion of the Chinese government's torture of a North Korean human rights activist can be good examples. Recent murder cases of Korean people in the Philippines evidenced that protection of Korean nationals residing abroad is urgent issue in the area of criminal policy. However, currently there is no legal basis which specifies the Government's obligation of protection of Korean nationals residing abroad stated in the constitution, thereby systematic protection of such individuals have been underdeveloped. Government's responsibility of protecting the people should be prescribed　to establish protection system of Korean nationals residing abroad, to protect lives and properties of Korean nationals residing abroad and to guarantee safe activities of Korean nationals residing abroad. The paper investigates advantages and disadvantages of the six bills of Protection of Korean Nationals Residing Abroad Act pending in the 19th National Assembly, and to suggest desirable legislation. This paper can be a basis for enactment of the Protection of Korean Nationals Residing Abroad Act.