Global Overseas Adoptees' Link

History

The first overseas Korean adoptees returned to Korea in the early 70s. Korea at that time was not yet ready for those who were sent abroad for adoption. Those adoptees who lived in Korea in the 90s still had to face difficult situations. The working situation was especially difficult. Most adoptees, after working for three months, had to do a so-called visa-run (leave Korea to a close by country to renew their visa before reentery). Many adoptees became dissatisfied with this situation and began gathering to discuss advocacy for adoptees' rights. This is one of the reasons why G.O.A.'L was co-founded in 1998 by Mihee-Nathalie Lemoine (Belgium), Lee Gutwith (Belgium), Amy Nafzger (USA/MN), MIriam Jongejeugd (Netherlands) and Philippe Zurbuchen (Switzerland). The first president elected was Kari Ruth (US/MN), but with the demand of Amy Nafzger, a second round of election was made with the supervision/witness of Mi Ok Song Bruining, Dr. Park Insun and Baek Yeonoak. This time first 'official' president of G.O.A'L was Mihee-Nathalie Lemoine (March to August), Amy Nafzger as Vice-President, Miriam Jongejeugd as Secretary and Lee Gutwirth as Treasurer.. Lemoine resigned for divergent opinion on what the focus and direction of the association had to take. Therefore Amy Nafzger self-proclaimed President, Lee Gutwith remained Treasurer.

The first very important work under the first Secretary General Ami Nafzger was to lobby for inclusion of overseas Korean adoptees into the Overseas Koreans Act. This act was passed in 1999 and allowed thereafter Korean adoptees to stay on a F-4 visa. The F-4 visa gives every adoptee the right to reside in Korea for an unlimited time and is at the same time also a work permit.

Since 1999 G.O.A.'L has also organized annually a conference in order to raise awareness within the Korean society about the situation of Korean international adoptees. At the same time G.O.A.'L also offered various services to the Korean adoptee community. The most important part of the services is the Birth Family Search service. Among adoptees the need to search for their own roots seems to be a very important need.

In 2002, G.O.A.'L was incorporated as a non-profit organization under the laws of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and is registered under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 2004, G.O.A.'L became registered as a NGO under the Seoul Metropolitan City authorities.

Since 2006 G.O.A.'L receives subsidies from the Korean government.

On December 29, 2010 G.O.A.'L opened its first overseas branch office, G.O.A.'L USA, in Santa Barbara.

On September 14, 2013, G.O.A.'L completed their 6th annual First Trip Home Program.

Main Services

Activities

In 1999, G.O.A.'L was successful in petitioning the Korean Government to include Korean adoptees into the Overseas Korean Act. This allows Korean Adoptees to obtain the F-4 Visa. The F-4 visa makes it possible for Korean adoptees to return and live in Korea indefinitely (valid in 3-year increments, which can be renewed within the country). The F-4 visa also makes it possible for Korean adoptees to gain employment, conduct banking business and even allows them to vote in almost any election except the presidential election.

G.O.A.'L successfully ran a Dual Citizenship Campaign for adoptees which became an important signal also for all other international adoptees. It is also advocating adoptees' rights within Korea. The Korean Nationality Law revision which allows Korean adoptees to obtain dual citizenship was passed by the Korean National Assembly on 22 April 2010 and officially announced on 4 May 2010. The revised law went into effect on 1 January 2011. G.O.A.'L also submitted a law revision of the Military Service Act to the Korean National Assembly in order to get Korean adoptees exempt from military service.

On April 19, 2011, 13 adoptees' reinstated their Korean citizenship during a special ceremony held at the Ministry of Justice facility in Gwacheon, South Korea.