Ministry of Justice Joint Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Residents '4,348 Caught'... Han Dong-hoon "Strict Establishment of Immigration Order"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The Ministry of Justice announced on the 14th that it resumed the government joint crackdown, which had been temporarily suspended due to the spread of COVID-19 from October 11 to the 10th of this month, and caught a total of 4,348 people, including 3,865 illegal foreign residents, 466 illegal employers, and 17 illegal employment brokers.

The Ministry of Justice, the National Police Agency, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and other related ministries focused their crackdown during this period on sectors with significant social harm such as entertainment and massage businesses, as well as industries encroaching on citizens' jobs like parcel delivery and courier services. As a result, it was confirmed that 3,865 foreigners staying in the country were illegally residing or employed; 3,074 were deported, 207 were ordered to leave the country, and 170 were fined. By nationality, Thailand accounted for the largest number with 1,441 people, followed by Vietnam with 814, and China with 587.

The government also imposed fines and other penalties on 466 illegal employers who hired these individuals and 17 illegal employment brokers. Those who refused the crackdown or brokered illegal employment were strictly dealt with, resulting in one arrest and 38 investigations without detention. Regarding 7,378 illegal foreign residents, from the 11th of last month to the 10th of this month, voluntary departure was encouraged under conditions of exemption from fines and suspension of entry restrictions.

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon stated, "The premise of a flexible immigration and entry-exit policy that contributes to national development is the establishment of a consistent and strict residence order," adding, "We will continue to operate the illegal residence crackdown system going forward."

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