Illegal labor migrants from Uzbekistan in South Korea granted extended deadline for voluntary departure
The Migration Agency of Uzbekistan has announced an extension of the "Green Corridor" program, allowing Uzbek nationals residing illegally in South Korea to voluntarily leave the country without facing penalties. Originally set to end on November 30, the program will now run until January 31, 2025, following negotiations between Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency and South Korea’s Ministry of Justice.
The "Green Corridor" initiative offers a chance for undocumented Uzbek citizens in South Korea to exit freely and avoid hefty fines. If individuals comply within the extended deadline, they will not only be exempt from financial penalties but may also benefit from relaxed reentry conditions to South Korea in the future.
The fines for undocumented stays range significantly depending on the duration of the overstay:
- Less than 1 month: ₩1,000,000 (approximately $716)
- 1 to 3 months: ₩1,500,000 (approximately $1,074)
- Over 7 years: ₩30,000,000 (approximately $21,482)
Failure to leave within the designated period will result in strict penalties, including fines of $2,000 per month for continued overstay and a possible ban on reentry to South Korea.
The Migration Agency urged Uzbek citizens to respect South Korean laws, honor local customs, and use the "Green Corridor" program to return to Uzbekistan. Additional assistance is available through the South Korean Ministry of Justice website and the Migration Agency’s Seoul office.
Earlier reports revealed that two Uzbek workers in South Korea had absconded from their workplaces, violating the terms of their employment contracts. This prompted interventions from local officials and community discussions involving the families of the violators. Penalties, including fines and potential deportation, are being enforced in these cases.
For more information, one can visit:
- South Korean Ministry of Justice: www.hikorea.go.kr
- Migration Agency’s Seoul Office: +82-2-2285-1341
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