In a press release dated July 21, 2023, the Ministry of Justice announced the results of their measures against illegal immigration in Korea during the first half of the year 2023.
Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants
The concerted efforts of the government led to a 225% increase in the number of illegal immigrants detected compared to the same period in 2022, with a total of 20,427 foreign nationals staying illegally in Korea. Among these individuals, 18,782 were subject to removal measures, comprising 17,931 deportations and 851 departure orders. The remaining 1,645 cases were addressed through various other measures, including criminal fines.
Penalizing Illegal Employers and Employment Brokers
Recognizing the role of illegal employment in perpetuating the issue, the government took decisive action against companies involved in hiring foreign nationals illegally. A staggering 4,470 companies were identified and penalized for their unlawful practices. In particular, the government demonstrated its commitment to upholding the law by executing search warrants against non-cooperative companies.
Additionally, the crackdown extended to illegal employment and immigration brokers, as 188 such individuals were detected. Out of these, 30 were taken into custody for further investigation to curb their illegal activities.
Voluntary Departure
In conjunction with the enforcement actions, the government conducted patrols, inspections, and guidance activities in areas where foreigners were concentrated. As a result, a notable increase of about 45% was observed in the number of illegal immigrants who voluntarily left Korea during the first half of 2023. The figure stood at 18,157, compared to 12,509 in the same period in 2022.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Justice's unwavering efforts and strategic approach yielded surprising results in combating illegal immigration during the first half of 2023. The government's commitment to addressing this issue is expected to continue as the number foreign nations entering the country is currently surging more than ever.
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