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| In this March 6, 2020, file photo, undocumented immigrants stand in line to fill out departure cards at the Korea Immigration Service's office in western Seoul. Yonhap |
By Jung Min-ho
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More than 41,000 undocumented foreign nationals living in Korea have left the country ― or have promised to do so in the near future ― over the past six months under a special amnesty program.
Korea Immigration Service (KIS) Commissioner Cha Gyu-geun told The Korea Times in a recent interview that 41,176 foreign nationals staying here illegally ― more than 10 percent of the estimated 390,000 ― had left or expressed a willingness to leave between Dec. 11 and June 21.
So far, about 30,000 of them have actually departed due to international travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the program, which ran from Dec. 11 to June 30, those who voluntarily return to their home countries will be allowed to reenter Korea.
According to the KIS, more than half of all undocumented immigrants came from countries whose nationals do not need to get visas in advance before coming to Korea, and they stayed largely for economic reasons.
"Today, information and communication technologies enable many people around the world to see what this country can offer, which is one of the major factors in the trend," Cha said. "In an increasing number of cases, they come to Korea legally and overstay their authorized sojourn periods because they know they can earn higher salaries here than in their home countries."
The goal of the amnesty was to reduce the burden on immigration officials, who are struggling with the pace of the increase of illegal immigrants, and to build trust with the foreign community here, he noted.
Speaking of those suspicious of "the government's motives," Cha said he will ensure that the government does not renege on its promise.
"The government will issue confirmation documents to those who voluntarily leave. As long as they have the documents, they will have no problem getting entry permits," Cha said.
"If they come here and leave within the authorized period, they may be allowed to receive multiple-entry visas for their next visit. I believe we can build trust with them through this step-by-step process."
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