Illegal workers abroad offered amnesty

They will not face any penalties, particularly a fine of 4.4 thousand USD, if they voluntarily return home before December 31st this year. Vietnamese workers in Korea bring home about 700 million USD in remittances. However, some 15,000 Vietnamese are currently working illegally in the country.

Due to this problem South Korea has halted the licensing of Vietnamese workers since 2012, and only signed a 1 year agreement to continue the policy. Vietnamese agencies are creating favourable conditions for workers who return voluntarily to have another opportunity to return to South Korea to work legally.