Achievements of the Government’s Crackdown on Illegal Immigration

In the first half of 2025, the South Korean government launched a significant crackdown on illegal foreign nationals to address the pressing issue of undocumented immigrants. This operation, spearheaded by the Ministry of Justice, involved collaboration among various agencies including the National Police Agency, the Coast Guard, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. As a result, a total of 13,542 individuals were apprehended, with nearly 18,000 either deported or voluntarily departing from the country. In this article, we will outline the key outcomes and unique features of this joint government operation in early 2025, while analyzing the policy implications.

Table of Contents

Results of the Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Nationals: 11,000 Detentions and Around 18,000 Departures

From April 14 to June 29, 2025, the government’s joint operation lasted 77 days, during which 11,253 illegal foreign nationals were detected on-site. Out of these, 9,525 were forcibly removed from the country, and 1,728 received fines. Additionally, 8,592 individuals voluntarily left during this period, resulting in a total of approximately 18,117 people subject to departure actions. Consequently, by June 2025, the number of illegal foreign nationals residing in the country decreased to about 377,000, marking a decline of over 50,000 compared to October 2023, which recorded 430,000.

Disrupting Links to Crime: Targeting Specific Offenses such as Drug-Related Crimes

Notably, this crackdown wasn’t limited to mere residency violations; it also focused on crimes that threaten public safety. In particular, 27 illegal foreign nationals were apprehended for drug-related offenses, showing positive tests or engaging in sales and distribution. The following drugs were seized:

66.81g of Methamphetamine (worth approximately 220 million KRW)
476 pills of Yaba (valued at around 22 million KRW)

The operation also actively targeted unlicensed drivers and uninsured vehicles, apprehending 18 drivers operating without proper licenses, and discovering two additional uninsured vehicles.

Enforcement Against Employers and Brokers: Strengthening Sanctions

During this operation, 2,263 domestic employers who illegally hired foreign nationals were also caught, incurring fines totaling over 10.1 billion KRW. Furthermore, 26 individuals who facilitated illegal residence or acted as brokers were identified; six were arrested, seven were reported without detention, and eight were fined.

Five-Year Plan to Reduce Illegal Immigration

Since 2023, the Ministry of Justice has been implementing a “Five-Year Plan for Reducing Illegal Immigration,” establishing a continuous enforcement system. Under this plan, measures are in place to ensure that the number of illegal residents decreases to a manageable level annually, while simultaneously encouraging voluntary departures. In the first half of 2025, despite approximately 23,000 new illegal foreign nationals entering, around 43,000 individuals exited the country through mandatory deportation or voluntary return measures, demonstrating a tangible reduction effect.

Conclusion

The government’s crackdown must not end as a one-time event; consistent enforcement is crucial for gradually improving the illegal immigration situation. It is essential to selectively target foreign nationals involved in crimes such as drug offenses and unlicensed driving, while also intensifying sanctions against domestic employers and brokers who contribute to this ecosystem.

Please note that this article reflects the situation as of the time of writing, and government policies may change over time. It serves solely as an informational resource and does not provide legal interpretation or judgments. For additional consultations, you may visit our [1:1 Consultation Board].