Over 6,000 people deported during special crackdown

Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon speaks during a meeting for the Legislation and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly on March 27. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Over 7,000 foreign nationals illegally residing in Korea were caught in a special crackdown conducted over the past two months, according to the Justice Ministry on Wednesday.

The crackdown was jointly conducted by multiple agencies, including the Justice Ministry, National Police Agency and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, from March 2 to April 30.

Of the 7,578 individuals who were caught, 6,863 people were told to leave the country while 208 were fined.

The remaining individuals are still under investigation.

The Justice Ministry noted that the crackdown focused on industries that may cause social harm like bars and other entertainment establishments, as well as sectors such as deliveries where illegal immigration may be impacting Korean employment opportunities.

According to the ministry, fines were also imposed on a total of 1,701 employers that hired foreigners illegally residing in the country and 12 illegal job brokers.

Some 5,247 foreigners illegally residing in the country voluntarily left the country during the crackdown as well.

In total, 25,000 individuals were either busted or voluntarily left the country through April during the Justice Ministry's regular crackdown that began at the beginning of the year, which also includes the special joint crackdown over the last two months.

“The basic premise of a flexible immigration policy is a strict, predictable system,” Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon said.

“We will work toward establishing a strict system such as by initiating crackdowns on foreigners illegally residing in Korea.”

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]