The Korean national Assembly is debating tougher penalties for
the employers of illegal residents. For those voluntarily reporting
illegal residence by February 28, 2020, penalties will be reduced
or exempted.
Penalty Increases
Illegal residents are currently subject to fines ranging from
KRW 1,000,000 for illegal stays of less than one month to KRW
20,000,000 for illegal stays of three years or more.
The current maximum penalty for employers of illegal residents
is KRW 20,000,000 OR three years of imprisonment. The proposed
amendment currently under discussion would increase this to KRW
50,000,000 AND five years of imprisonment.
Voluntary Reporting for Illegal Residents
For illegal residents who voluntarily report their residential
status by February 28, 2020 and are scheduled to leave the country
by June 30, 2020:
