Special Voluntary Departure Period Extended Until January 31, 2025
The Ministry of Justice has announced an extension of the Special Voluntary Departure Period, allowing certain undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Korea without penalties or restrictions. The updated period reflects the government’s continued efforts to encourage voluntary compliance and manage undocumented immigration effectively.
Key Information:
1. New Implementation Period
- Previous Period: September 30, 2024 (Mon) – November 30, 2024 (Sat)
- Extended Period: December 1, 2024 (Sun) – January 31, 2025 (Fri)
2. Eligible Individuals
- Undocumented foreign nationals who voluntarily depart during the extended period.
- Those who became undocumented after the initial implementation date (September 30, 2024) are excluded.
3. Excluded Individuals
The following individuals are not eligible:
- Those who entered illegally.
- Individuals using falsified or altered passports.
- Criminal offenders or those who failed to comply with departure orders.
4. Benefits for Voluntary Departure
- Exemption from Fines: Foreign nationals leaving voluntarily during the period will not be required to pay fines.
(Includes exemption of penalties for minors under 17 accompanied by the applicant). - Suspension of Entry Restrictions: The entry ban may be temporarily suspended for those who comply.
5. Voluntary Departure Process
Foreign nationals must adhere to the Pre-Departure Reporting System:
- Report at least three days before departure (excluding holidays).
- Required documents: Passport, Voluntary Departure Reporting Form, and a confirmed airline ticket.
6. Contact Information
For further guidance, you may contact:
- Immigration Contact Center (1345)
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Closed on weekends and public holidays)
- Multilingual support available (Korean, English, and Chinese after 6 PM).
- Immigration Office Websites:
This extension offers an invaluable opportunity for undocumented foreign nationals to rectify their status without penalties. If you or someone you know qualifies for this program, we strongly encourage taking advantage of it before the deadline.
For detailed assistance or inquiries, feel free to contact us or consult the Ministry of Justice’s official channels.
