Lee Hyo-jin covers the Bank of Korea, the banking industry and broader financial news. Her previous beats include foreign affairs, North Korea and general reporting on Korean society.
Foreigner faces deportation for self-quarantine violation
Daegu Metropolitan Police Agency. / Korea Times file
By Lee Hyo-jin
By Lee Hyo-jin, Park Si-soo
An Indonesian man faces deportation for violating mandatory two-week self-quarantine, which the South Korean government has imposed on international arrivals to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The Indonesian, in his 20s, is being held at Daegu Police Station and the immigration office will soon decide on the next step. The justice ministry, which controls immigration affairs, has deported more than 60 rule-breaking foreign nationals since the coronavirus outbreak here.
According to police, the Indonesian arrived at Incheon International Airport from Indonesia on May 30. He cleared immigration on the promise that he would stay for two weeks at a state-designated quarantine facility in Gimpo. But instead he took a taxi heading for Daegu, his final destination.
Airport police confirmed his violation through surveillance camera footage and called the taxi's driver, telling him to bring the man back to the airport.
Realizing that he was being traced, the man fled from the taxi on the way back.
Police launched a large-scale manhunt in the area where he disappeared and caught him in northern Daegu.
South Korea has imposed 14-day self-isolation on international arrivals since April 1. Violators can face up to a year in jail term or a 10 million won ($8,343) fine ― and deportation or visa invalidation.