The Ministry of Justice said on the 28th it will temporarily implement a "special voluntary departure program" for foreigners who cannot legally stay in Korea. The program will run from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28 next year.
Foreigners who overstay are subject to entry bans set for a period determined by the reason and length of their unlawful stay in Korea. They are also fined depending on the length of the unlawful stay.
Until now, the Ministry of Justice had deferred entry restrictions for foreigners who left voluntarily during a "voluntary departure period." They still had to pay fines, but this time entry restrictions will be deferred even if the fines are not paid.
Those who were smuggled in, used forged or altered passports, committed criminal offenses, or are subject to deportation for failing to comply with a departure order are excluded from the special voluntary departure program.
The Ministry of Justice said it will continue enforcement during the special voluntary departure period and will respond strictly by ordering deportation and imposing entry bans on foreigners who are caught.
Minister Jung Sung-ho of the Ministry of Justice said, "This program is designed to allow foreigners who overstay to return to their home countries with peace of mind without the burden of fines or entry restrictions," adding, "We expect many foreigners who overstay to make use of this program."