Yeosu Coast Guard Strengthens Crackdown on Illegal Employment of Foreign Workers in Marine and Fisheries Sectors

Illegal Immigrant High-Wage Illegal Employment on Board, Need to Establish Fisheries Order

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shim Kyung-taek] The Yeosu Maritime Police Station in Jeonnam is strengthening crackdowns to preemptively block the act of boarding illegal foreign residents and employing illegal residents on vessels.

According to Yeosu Maritime Police, cases of illegal foreign residents in the Jeonnam area (Yeosu, Naro Island, Goheung, etc.) and foreign crew members from other vessels (industries) unlawfully leaving to seek high wages on coastal fishing boats are increasing. They are promoting special crackdowns to establish order in the fishing industry through focused enforcement.

This crackdown activity has been jointly conducted on sea and land since the 26th and will continue until July 4th. The targets of the crackdown include vessels employing illegal residents (coastal gillnet fishing boats, shrimp trap boats, combined coastal fishing boats, aquaculture management vessels) or illegal foreign workers and their employers and brokers in the maritime and fisheries sectors.

Foreigners who illegally stay and work or those who employ illegal residents may face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won.

Additionally, foreign workers must obtain permission from the Minister of Justice according to the Presidential Decree if they wish to change or add their workplace within the scope of their residence status.

A Yeosu Maritime Police official stated, “We will strengthen crackdowns on employers who illegally employ illegal resident crew members and foreign maritime workers and impose strict penalties.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.