South Korea raids target illegal foreign workers ahead of APEC 2025 summit, 26 Uzbek citizens fined

The operations – conducted by the Ministry of Justice, National Police Agency, Coast Guard, Ministry of Employment and Labor, and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport – are set to continue through 12 December 2025. They focus on:

• Individuals with irregular immigration status;
• Foreigners employed in unauthorized local jobs;
• Unlicensed labor brokers;
• Activities deemed contrary to public morals.

The crackdown has been significantly strengthened in Gyeongju and surrounding regions in preparation for the APEC 2025 Korea Summit. Violators face fines, deportation, and entry bans into South Korea.

According to the Migration Agency, the 26 Uzbek citizens – working under the E-9 non-professional employment visa – were each fined $2,000, calculated under a tripartite agreement at a rate per month of illegal stay or unauthorized employment.

The E-9 visa allows low-skilled foreign workers to be employed in designated sectors including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, fisheries, and services. It is valid for up to three years, with a possible extension of one year and ten months under specific conditions. Holders are strictly prohibited from working outside their assigned workplaces.

Authorities have urged all foreign workers to comply with visa conditions to avoid penalties during the heightened enforcement period.