KUALA LUMPUR - A national survey found nearly 75 per cent of South Koreans support allowing taxpaying migrants to access the same social benefits as citizens.

The 2025 Human Rights Awareness Survey, conducted from July to August with over 17,000 adults, also found only 38.8 percent believe migrants’ rights are respected, the lowest among all groups surveyed.

Women, youth and children were perceived as having far stronger rights protections, while migrants were listed among the most vulnerable to discrimination.

The findings come months after the government rolled out its 2025 Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupons program, which largely excluded foreign residents, including migrant workers and most temporary visa holders.

Eligibility was limited to permanent residents, marriage or refugee visa holders, or those registered with a Korean national and enrolled in national health insurance.

Migrant workers and temporary visa holders were left out, even if they had lived in South Korea for years and consistently paid taxes.

South Korea has more than 2.6 million foreign residents, over 5 percent of the population, many of whom contribute to the workforce and social insurance but remain excluded from programs tied to nationality or visa status.

Earlier data also shows growing public support for migrant inclusion, with 73.5 percent saying integration is a necessary long-term investment.

However, just over half of respondents felt the government was doing enough to support migrant integration.

Experts said the findings highlight a gap between public attitudes and current policy, as migrant contributions continue to be undervalued in social welfare programs.