In South Korea, a significant shift in immigration policy has been set into motion, emphasizing accelerated actions for the deportation of non-compliant foreigners. On March 14, 2025, Acting Minister of Justice Kim Seok-woo announced a strategy designed to reinforce the government's stance on illegal residency. The Ministry of Justice has outlined plans to create a dedicated foreign escort team tasked with the rapid repatriation of individuals who fail to meet residency criteria.
As the foreign population in South Korea swells to approximately three million, concerns about undocumented immigrants have prompted the government to take decisive action. During a press conference, Kim stated, “In the context of the number of foreigners residing in South Korea has reached the figure of three million, we will pursue a sustainable immigration policy based on public consensus and actively enforce deportation measures against those who reside illegally in this country.” Such remarks underscore a growing urgency within the administration to address the challenges posed by foreign residents who do not comply with the law.
This change follows a vote by the National Assembly in April 2024, which amended the Immigration Control Act to include several provisions that tighten regulations surrounding illegal immigrants. Starting June 1, 2025, any foreigner who has received a deportation order due to illegal residency or criminal activities will be permitted to remain in South Korea for a maximum of 36 months. This temporary extension is intended to give those affected adequate time to express their circumstances and arrange transport back to their home countries.
“We plan to implement a designated foreign escort team to quickly repatriate those who are not eligible to stay in this country,” the Ministry of Justice clarified in a press release, aiming to streamline the deportation process. The government’s commitment to addressing the number of foreigners held in detention centers for extended periods due to refusal to seek mandatory travel documents has driven this initiative. In recent cases, foreigners have been deported only after embassies issued travel documentation at the request of South Korean authorities.
From the end of 2023, data indicated that 34,580 foreigners were under protection pending the enforcement of their deportation orders. The revised law aims to reduce the duration of such situations, effectively ensuring that deportations occur in a timely manner, while also safeguarding against potential human rights violations. Kim Seok-woo emphasized the need to accelerate these measures to prevent indefinite detainment of individuals who already have outstanding deportation orders.
Currently, foreigners facing deportation can stay in designated protection facilities until they can be sent back home, but the revised legislation seeks to enhance fairness and independence in the deportation process. This will be accomplished through the establishment of an independent committee focused on the protection of foreigners, which will involve nine members, including public servants, lawyers, and specialists from relevant fields. The creation of this committee illustrates a commitment to improving the overall treatment and fairness experienced by foreigners during the deportation process.
The consequences of these legislative changes are yet to be fully realized. Still, they mark a significant step towards tighter border control and aim to address the challenges of illegal immigration in South Korea. As the government outlines its plans, it remains to be seen how these measures will affect the huge numbers of foreigners choosing to settle in the nation.
In summary, the South Korean government's recent actions reflect its acknowledgement of the increasing complexities of immigration management as they strive to balance public concerns with the rights of individuals affected by these policies. With the implementation of stricter measures and improved support systems, officials seek to create a more organized and efficient process for handling those who violate residency conditions.
