In the midst of longstanding civil war and political unrest in Syria, many Syrians have fled their country to seek refuge from the turmoil.  

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A National Intelligence Service rep stated that a total of 200 Syrian refugees are currently in Korea, and the government is in the process of determining whether to grant them refugee status. Among the 200, 135 were given quasi-refugee status with temporary stay permits while the remaining 65 continued to seek shelter at an airport. 

According to The Korea Times, Lee Cheol Woo of the Saenuri Party told reporters after a meeting with NIS officials, "Currently, 135 Syrians staying in the country were given permission to stay long-term for humanitarian reasons and 65 Syrians are waiting to undergo the screening process. The authorities however have not given permanent residency to those 135 Syrians yet and the 65 Syrians are being thoroughly vetted." 

Lee also stated that the Syrians are staying at a location from which they can report to the authorities. 

Images: Yonhap