Key Considerations for Visiting Detention Centers for Illegal Immigrants
When illegal immigrants are apprehended and sent to detention centers, it’s important to know how to handle the situation. Understanding Korean immigration policies and utilizing the voluntary departure reporting system is crucial.
Immigration Policy and Voluntary Departure
If an illegal immigrant voluntarily reports their status and chooses to depart, they can receive benefits, such as a reduction in penalties. During the voluntary departure period, penalties can either be waived or reduced, and the entry ban period may also be shortened. The Korean immigration system encourages voluntary reporting, making the exit process smoother.
Penalty Payment and Reduction Benefits for Departure
Illegal immigrants must pay fines before they can leave the country, and those who voluntarily report their status may receive certain benefits.
Procedures for Penalty Reduction
By voluntarily paying the fine and leaving the country, the entry ban period is reduced. Generally, fines can be reduced by approximately 30%, and reporting within the voluntary period increases the chances of receiving such benefits. Even if the voluntary reporting period has passed, reporting and leaving can still lead to a reduction in penalties, though full exemption is rare.
Impact of Assisting Illegal Immigrants as a Korean
When a Korean helps an illegal immigrant by paying their fines, the immigrant may face an entry ban for a certain period, and the Korean may also experience financial loss.
De Facto Marriage and Temporary Protection Release
Even if a Korean is in a de facto relationship with a foreigner, it is difficult to obtain temporary release from detention for illegal status. However, a temporary release can be granted for up to a week by posting a deposit, with the expectation that the foreigner will voluntarily leave afterward. If the foreigner departs, the deposit is refunded, but the process involves strict legal obligations.
Foreign Nationals Posting Bail for Temporary Release
Foreign nationals can post bail and receive temporary release from detention. However, if they do not depart within the specified period, the bail may be forfeited.
Bail Refund Process
Foreign nationals who voluntarily leave after posting bail can receive a refund. Compared to other countries, Korea’s bail system is more stringent. Failure to depart within the designated period leads to detention, and the bail amount may be forfeited. Foreigners considering bail should be aware of the strict rules involved.
Handling Violations of the Immigration Control Act
Foreigners who violate the Immigration Control Act are subject to immediate legal action and detention. Korea enforces strict measures regarding illegal immigration, and foreigners are transferred to detention centers for processing before being deported.
Legal Differences with Other Countries
Compared to other countries, Korea’s Immigration Control Act is more rigorous, with stricter enforcement of penalties and detainment procedures. The bail and penalty reduction systems, although available, involve detailed processes that are not always available in other countries.
Conclusion
Korea’s immigration policies regarding illegal immigrants are strict, but voluntary reporting and penalty payments offer opportunities for reduced penalties and quicker return options. Even in de facto relationships with Koreans, legal limitations are significant, and temporary release requires careful legal navigation.
Foreign nationals must act quickly to take advantage of reduced penalties and bail refund options. Utilizing these policies properly can help illegal immigrants leave Korea smoothly, while reducing the future entry ban period.