Undocumented Filipinos in S. Korea urged to leave voluntarily

By Marita Moaje, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Filipinos illegally staying in South Korea are encouraged to take advantage of the extended special voluntary departure program for foreign nationals recently announced by the country’s Ministry of Justice (MOJ).

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, in a Facebook post on Dec. 12, said undocumented foreign nationals staying in South Korea are given until Jan. 31, 2025 to voluntarily depart the country.

“Ayon sa MOJ, ang mga dayuhang hindi na dokumentado na naninirahan sa South Korea na boluntaryong aalis sa araw ng o bago mag 31 Enero 2025 ay bibigyan ng: 1) “fine exemption o hindi pagbabayarin ng multa; at 2) “suspension of re-entry restrictions” o hindi mailalagay sa “black list” o listahan ng mga taong ipinagbabawal na pumasok sa South Korea sa loob ng nasabing programa (According to the MOJ, undocumented foreigners living in South Korea who voluntarily leave on or before January 31, 2025 will be granted: 1) “fine exemption” or not paying a fine; and 2) “suspension of re-entry restrictions” or not being placed on the “black list” or list of people prohibited from entering South Korea within the said program),” the post read.

The embassy urges all Filipinos to always keep a legal status of stay while working or living outside the Philippines to ensure their safety and personal welfare.

This includes keeping their passport and other documents valid and legal.

The MOJ began the implementation of the special voluntary departure program from Sept. 30 to Nov. 30, 2024.

For more details on the program, applicants may contact the Immigration Contact Center by dialing 1345 and choose Filipino among the foreign languages available, or visit the HiKorea (http://www.hikorea.go.kr) and Korea Immigration Service (http://www.immigration.go.kr) websites.