Evaluating the effect of settlement services in South Korea: Focused on Korea Immigration & Integration Program

To improve immigrants’ integration, Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP) has been delivered since 2009 in South Korea (hereafter Korea), yet little research has empirically estimated its net effect. Hence, the main aim of this study is to empirically and directly evaluate its net effect, using an Inverse-probability weighted analytical technique controlling selection bias that may distort its net effect. Utilizing the “Estimating social and economic effect of KIIP”, published by the Ministry of Justice, Korea in 2017, this study selects immigrants including participants (n = 800) and nonparticipants (n = 214). The findings indicate that the effect of KIIP is dubious. Specifically, KIIP plays a role in raising the level of naturalization of immigrants, accepting Korean culture, and satisfying their lives. However, there are statistically non-significant differences in employment, monthly income, keeping home country’s culture, social networks, Korean language skills, discrimination, and the sense of belonging to the Korean society between participants and nonparticipants. This shows both the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of KIIP. To find a way to improve integration, this study suggests strengthening advantages and offsetting disadvantages, in managing KIIP.