Korea considers in-flight meals for foreigners awaiting deportation

The government is reviewing a plan to provide regular in-flight meals to foreign nationals awaiting deportation, a move aimed at better protecting basic rights.

The Korea Immigration Service said Saturday it was revising the meal policy for foreign nationals held at the detention facility in Incheon Airport before being sent back to their home countries.

The facility houses individuals ordered to leave the country for reasons such as illegal residency or unauthorized employment. Under the current system, they are given only bread and drinks upon arrival at the airport after deportation orders are processed.

Immigration officials say the change reflects deportees' basic right to adequate meals.

"We are revising the plan to protect human rights and raise South Korea's international standing," an immigration official said. "This is an expansion of what we currently provide."

Foreign nationals denied entry after failing to explain the purpose of their visit already receive in-flight meals while awaiting repatriation. The meals are valued at about 6,910 won ($5).