Since the recent outbreak of COVID-19, many have stayed at home to partially solve the problem. The COVID-19 situation is getting worse and worse. So, each country's government devised a solution by giving the citizens a certain amount of money. Considering these basic disaster incomes, there are many pros and cons. One of the dissenting opinions is that "this isn't ultimately made up of national taxes." And another opinion is that "Some people don't have any money, so it is necessary for those people.”

There are different types of basic disaster income policies overseas. Let's take Finland as an example. Approximately 200 people included in the unemployed in Finland made €560 a month. Unemployed people can get the money without any special conditions. The problem mentioned above about the disaster basic income means that if you are unemployed that’s the only time you can get the money. Even if you get a job after getting the money, you will still get the money.

The Hong Kong government has decided to pay Hong Kong dollars (about 1.57 million won) to permanent residents aged 18 or older. Some may receive cash gift certificates, not cash. The good thing about the Hong Kong government is that citizens can choose cash and gift certificates as needed. Next, let's look at Macau's policy. In Macau, The Macau government presented its citizens with a plan to pay for electronic gift certificates. Vouchers received by citizens are valid for three months and can only be used in certain places. The bad thing about this policy is that the place of payment is limited. The government should remove restrictions on places of use.

And then, people would not bother looking for a job since they’re receiving money regularly. Basic disaster income is a very good policy when needed. However, this policy should be considered more carefully and only used to serve people during emergencies since it comes from people’s taxes. It has been implemented in other countries, but in some cases it has failed when implemented. Therefore, Korea needs to fully develop and improve such policy.

L.L.F reporter Bo-ra Park