2025 Special Voluntary Departure Program for Illegal Stay Foreigners
Summary
The Ministry of Justice in Korea will implement a special voluntary departure program for illegal stay foreigners from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026. This program exempts eligible participants from fines and entry restrictions, provided they voluntarily leave within the specified period and comply with pre-departure notification requirements. Exclusions apply to unauthorized entrants, individuals using forged documents, criminal offenders, and those failing to comply with departure orders.
Overview
The Ministry of Justice announces the temporary implementation of a special voluntary departure program for foreigners staying illegally in 2025.
Implementation Period
- Effective Date: December 1, 2025 (Monday)
- End Date: February 28, 2026 (Saturday)
Eligible Participants
- Foreigners who voluntarily depart during the implementation period, except for:
- Unauthorized entrants
- Individuals who have used forged or altered passports
- Criminal offenders
- Those who have failed to comply with a departure order
- Individuals who become illegal stayers after December 1, 2025
Measures
- Exemption from fines for voluntary departure, including exemption from penalties for minors under 17 and their accompanying guardians (parents, etc.) who are obligated to apply for voluntary departure.
- Pre-departure notification required (3 to 15 days before departure) through the local immigration office or online (Hi Korea).
- Criminal record and wanted status re-verification on the day of departure at airport immigration offices only.
Inquiry Information
- Ministry of Justice Foreigner Information Center: Call 1345 (interpretation support available)
- Ministry of Justice Immigration and Foreigner Policy Headquarters Website: www.immigration.go.kr
- Hi Korea Website: www.hikorea.go.kr
Attachments (2)
Source: Korea Immigration Service (immigration.go.kr) • Published: December 3, 2025
Content provided under Korea Open Government License (공공누리).