Government to Conduct Joint Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Residents Until December 9

The Ministry of Justice announced on the 5th that it will conduct the third joint government crackdown on illegal foreign residents this year from the 10th to December 9th.

China has lifted the ban on group tours to Korea after 6 years and 5 months, raising expectations that this will be a boon for the domestic travel, hotel, and duty-free industries. On the 11th, foreign tourists including Chinese and Japanese were strolling the streets of Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

The crackdown targets habitual employers of illegal foreign residents, foreigners working in entertainment establishments, brokers involved in illegal entry and employment, and foreigners related to criminal activities. Illegal foreign residents caught will be fined and subjected to deportation and entry bans. However, those who voluntarily leave the country using the currently operating 'Special Voluntary Departure Program' will be exempt from fines and entry restrictions.

Han Dong-hoon, Minister of Justice, stated, "Our government's basic policy is to flexibly expand legal stay while strictly cracking down on illegal residency," adding, "We will do our best to establish order in residency."

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