PLO is pleased to report that the Korean Ministry of Justice announced a special voluntary departure program for foreigners staying in the country illegally, which runs from September 30, 2024 to November 30, 2024. The program allows those staying illegally to voluntarily leave South Korea without facing significant penalties, thus making it critical for those seeking to resolve their immigration status.
Details of the Special Voluntary Departure Period
This special program allows illegal immigrants to voluntarily depart Korea during the designated period, offering benefits such as exemption from fines and suspension of entry bans.
Who is Eligible?
The voluntary departure program is open to illegal immigrants who voluntarily choose to leave Korea during the specified period. However, there are certain individuals who are not eligible for this program, including:
- Individuals who entered Korea illegally, such as by smuggling.
- Those who used fraudulent or forged documents to enter Korea.
- Criminal offenders with a record of serious crimes.
- Individuals who have been previously ordered to leave Korea but did not comply with the order.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, it is advisable to consult the relevant government agencies or seek legal advice to understand your eligibility.
Benefits of Voluntary Departure
Participating in this voluntary departure program offers several benefits, helping illegal immigrants avoid the harsh penalties typically associated with overstaying visas.
- Exemption from Fines: Individuals who voluntarily leave Korea during this period will be exempt from the fines normally imposed on visa overstayers. This includes a waiver of fines for minors (those under 17) who are accompanying their guardians in the departure.
- Suspension of Entry Restrictions: The usual re-entry ban imposed on illegal immigrants will be temporarily suspended for those who voluntarily leave during the program period. This makes it possible for them to return to Korea in the future under proper visa conditions.
However, to take full advantage of these benefits, it is crucial to comply with the advance reporting requirements outlined below.
Important Procedures for Voluntary Departure
To successfully participate in the voluntary departure program, individuals must follow the advance reporting system:
- Report your intention to depart at least 3 days before your scheduled departure (excluding public holidays).
- Submit the required documents, which include:
- A valid passport
- A completed voluntary departure reporting form
- Your departure flight ticket
Failure to comply with these procedures may result in being excluded from the benefits of the program.
Where to Get Help and Information
If you need more information about this special program, you can contact the Ministry of Justice’s Immigration Contact Center at 1345 (no area code required). The service is available with translation support, and consultations can be held in multiple languages, including Korean, English, and Chinese (after 18:00, only these three languages are available). The call center operates between 09:00 and 22:00 on weekdays (closed on weekends and public holidays).
You can also visit the official websites of the Ministry of Justice at www.immigration.go.kr or HiKorea at www.hikorea.go.kr for additional details on the voluntary departure process and any other immigration-related matters.us today for a confidential consultation.
