They live at the airport, just like Tom Hanks (66) once did in the movie “Terminal”. Five Russians were stranded at Incheon Airport near Seoul (South Korea). Fleeing partial mobilization in their home country, they had sought asylum in South Korea.
But their applications were rejected. What the men probably didn’t know: South Korea has an extremely low recognition rate. In 2021, that was 1.3 percent for refugees, reports the Korea Times.
One of the stranded is Vladimir Maraktayev (23). He was asked on September 24 to go to the war in Ukraine and fight for Russia. The 23-year-old then fled. “I would fight voluntarily if someone attacks us and endangers my loved ones. But it’s a different story if my own country starts the war. I will never take up arms to kill innocent people in Ukraine,” he told the Korea Times.
A muffin and a carton of juice
From Mongolia he flew to the Philippines and from there to South Korea – hoping to stay there. That was on Nov 12. Since then, Maraktayev has been stuck at the airport. His asylum application was rejected. According to the authorities, not participating in the war was not a valid reason for obtaining refugee status.
So he has been living at this airport for several months in the waiting room of the duty-free zone. And he’s not the only one. Four other Russian men are in the same position as him. They live on food provided by the Department of Justice: a muffin and a carton of juice for breakfast and dinner, and rice and chicken for lunch.
Lawyer fights for the five Russians
The five Russians are still trying to get South Korea to recognize their refugee status. They have now hired a lawyer. “These men face persecution in their home countries for their political beliefs, making them eligible for asylum status by international standards. The ministry should be well aware of this,” he told the Korean Times. A court is currently hearing the stranded Russians. The verdict should follow at the end of January.
If the court agrees with the men, they will receive a visa and can temporarily stay in Korea. But if they are rejected, they will most likely be sent back to their home country. (lrc)