Korea's Red Cross said Thursday that it has decided to grant financial support to 10 foreign families allowed to stay in the country on humanitarian grounds.

Under the decision, the families will receive a combined 25 million won ($21,705) for three months along with basic foodstuffs for one year, according to the Red Cross.

The families from Syria, Uganda and Liberia who have been given humanitarian status fled poverty and conflict-stricken homelands to come to Korea.

Despite being allowed to stay in the country none have been given refugee status, making it hard for them to receive state support so they can get food and medical attention. (Yonhap)