Crackdown on illegal foreign workers in Korea

Accordingly, the Korean Government will crack down on and punish illegal labor practices in the construction industry, jobs that affect local employment opportunities, and jobs that affect traditional customs and traditions such as unhealthy entertainment businesses and massage businesses.

In case of being found working illegally in the construction industry, they will be deported back to their home country even if they still have a valid residence permit and this applies to first-time offenders. In case of foreign workers being caught during raids, they will be deported back to their home country, restricted from entering Korea for a maximum period of 10 years, listed and notified to the authorities of their home country.

Korean authorities raid illegal workers. Photo: Internet

Amnesty policy:

- Policy application period: From October 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019

- Applicable subjects: Foreign workers residing illegally in Korea

Illegal workers residing in Korea who voluntarily return to their home country within the above-mentioned period will not be restricted from entering Korea, will not be listed, and will not be notified to the competent authorities of their home country.

2. Procedures for voluntary return home

Step 1:Declare on website http://www.colab.gov.vn in section "Register to declare information of employees working in Korea".

Step 2:Declare your voluntary return home and complete exit procedures at the Immigration Office at the airport. Contact Incheon Airport: +82-32-7407391/2; Gimhae Airport: +82-51-979-1300

In case the employee loses his/her passport or the passport has expired, please contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Korea at: 28-58, Samcheong-dong, Jongno-ku, Seoul, Korea (서울종로구삼청동 28-58), phone number: +82-2-7347948 to apply for a passport/travel document.

For information support and advice on voluntary return procedures, employees should contact:

1.Vietnamese Labor Management Board in Korea;

Phone: 0082-2-3641043/3641049

2.Vietnam Labor Management Office under EPS program in Korea;

Phone: +82-2-3936868/69592466, email:[email protected].