The government will allow Afghan citizens already residing in the country to remain under a temporary status.

The Justice Ministry announced on Wednesday that it reached the decision as Afghan nationals are fleeing their homeland after the Taliban regained control of the country. 

Those whose visas are about to expire but cannot be extended can stay and work under temporary residential status after they undergo identification procedures. Those who are able to extend their visas may do so as usual.

For those whose visas have already expired, they will be allowed to remain until the situation in Afghanistan becomes safe enough for them to return home voluntarily. 

Justice Minister Park Beom-kye said the latest decision was made on humanitarian grounds as it has become difficult to return home due to the unstable political situation in Afghanistan.

The government’s latest decision is set to affect 434 Afghans residing in the nation, including 72 whose visas have expired.