Today we look at a legislative notice that revises courier-industry rules and an Incheon District Court ruling that cancelled a decision by the Incheon Immigration Office. Both carry deadlines that the businesses and foreign residents concerned should keep in mind.
Today’s 2 key points
- Draft amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Development of the Living Logistics Service Industry: standard contracts to be set by public notice, and the obligation for courier companies to set up cargo handling points removed. Comments accepted until November 23 (Mon)
- Incheon District Court, Administrative Division 2 (single judge): refusal to extend the stay of a Russian national whose second refugee application is pending was cancelled; reportedly final as the immigration authority did not appeal
1. Courier standard contract by public notice, cargo handling point obligation removed
- What changes: Standard contracts for living logistics services are currently distributed only through simple announcements, so their legal status is unclear. The draft requires the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to issue the standard contract as an official public notice after consulting the Minister of Employment and Labor and the Fair Trade Commission. It also removes the obligation for courier companies to set up at least as many cargo handling points as they have branch and directly managed offices. This reflects the reality that delivery hubs have become larger and more concentrated, such as regional sub-terminals.
- Who: Courier service companies and their branches, courier workers, and other living logistics service businesses such as small-parcel delivery agencies
- When: Legislative notice from October 14 to November 23 (Mon). Effective date: ⚠️ check the original text.
- Administrative agent’s note: Businesses that found it burdensome to match the required number of cargo handling points when registering or reporting changes may be able to review their hub layout after the amendment. Once the standard contract is published as a notice, it is a good idea to compare it with the wording of your existing outsourcing contracts. Comments can be submitted through the National Participatory Legislation Center or to the Living Logistics Policy Team of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (044-201-4153).
2. Incheon District Court cancels refusal to extend stay of a foreign national re-applying for refugee status
- What changes: Administrative Division 2 (single judge) of the Incheon District Court ruled in favor of Mr. A, a Russian national, in his lawsuit against the Chief of the Incheon Immigration Office seeking cancellation of a refusal to extend his period of stay. Mr. A entered Korea in November 2018, applied for refugee status in 2019, was refused in 2022, and applied again in January 2026. Citing his participation in hundreds of anti-war protests in Korea and the fact that the Russian government had identified and publicized his social media account, the court held that granting him temporary status at least during the review, so that he could await the decision in a stable situation, is consistent with the purpose of the Refugee Act.
- Who: Refugee applicants staying under Miscellaneous (G-1) status who are re-applying or have been refused an extension of stay
- When: Reported on October 14. The ruling is reportedly final because the immigration authority did not appeal. Exact date of judgment: ⚠️ check the original text.
- Administrative agent’s note: Extensions are often refused for re-applicants, but this case shows that the outcome can differ depending on the grounds of the application and objective evidence. If you have received a refusal to extend your stay or a notice of departure deadline, first check the 90-day deadline (from the day you became aware of the decision) for an administrative appeal or lawsuit, and organize materials showing the risk of persecution (news reports, social media records, etc.). The refugee application procedure is explained in our guide to applying for refugee recognition.
Source: Kyeonggi Ilbo · Court: foreigner who protested against Putin “should be granted temporary status” (based on press reports; the judgment has not been published)
Deadlines to watch this week
- November 23 (Mon): Comment deadline for the draft amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Living Logistics Service Industry Act
- Decisions on stay: administrative appeal or lawsuit within 90 days of becoming aware of the decision
This briefing is a guide compiled from public information by the Hwang Yunsang Administrative Agent Office. Whether it applies to your case must be confirmed with the competent authority.