The South Korean government has decided to reduce financial aid to North Korean defectors, used to help them get settled in the South, while creating other incentives for them such as job opportunities.

The new measure includes reducing the settlement money to 100-times the monthly minimum wage standard from the current 160-fold.

However, financial support will be increased for senior citizens or single parents with children who are incapable of earning a living.

The government will also introduce other incentives aimed at encouraging defectors to seek out jobs and get appropriate job training.