Korean Job Discussion Forums

Korea Newfie · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Location: Newfoundland and Labrador

Hi,

I'm looking for specific information regarding the rules at Incheon immigration, as I've heard that they vary from place to place.

My work situation is very bad, and without getting into the nasty details (he owes us money, lost face, etc.), my boss and I have both decided that it might be best for my girlfriend and I to leave, and he's willing to give us a release letter (or at least he was before, I don't know now). However, we've only been there for 2 months, and I heard somewhere that if you haven't been at your job for at least 6 months, then release letter or not, immigration won't let you work at another school. Is this true? If so, would special curcumstances (such as him making employment difficult, etc.) allow us to circumvent these rules? I hate staying there with his smug look like he has some kind of power over us just to satisfy a silly 6 month requirement.

Also, I was wondering how one would go about going over their director's head and going straight to immigration to get a release letter. Do I have to inform him first, or can I work it out and just show him the paper? I have no idea.

Does anybody have any experience with this? I hate that it's come to this, but I need to take care of our best interests. I basically need to know if we're stuck, or if the fact that we're getting screwed will get us an early release.

Thanks,
KN

Joe Thanks · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Location: Dudleyville

I feel for ya, companero,

I dealt with Seoul immigration and this was a few years ago, but I swiched a job after about two months and had no problem.

I had NEVER heard of the six month thing, even to this day.

Good luck,

Joe

hellofaniceguy · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: On your computer screen!

It is true; immigration wants at least 9 months at one place. At least for two people that I know of personally. Your best bet is to ASK the man himself! Go to immigration. Now it could change from situation to situation and it's still immigration's call. You are really asking the wrong people though on this forum; again, it's immigration's call. They make the rules and bend them. Tell them your story maybe.....

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

Not true: My last job was only for 5 months, on an E2. My boss went with me, cancelled it, issued me an exit order, and I got a spanking new E2 with my new boss no problem.
I think a lot depends on how co-operative your boss is about going to Immigration with you, with no hard feelings involved.

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

You need to contact the Labor Board here in Korea. They help work with situations exactly like yours. And they can (and do) force Hagwon directors to follow the law. Do a search for previous posts on "Labor Board".

Korea Newfie · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Location: Newfoundland and Labrador

Thanks gang.

I've been to the Incheon labour board, but there was only a nun there who couldn't speak English and put me on the phone with a woman who could speak very little.

Is there a foreigner intervention/helpline or something similar I might try?

anae · Joined: 13 May 2003 Location: cowtown

You are just going to have to go and take the risk. It is all dependent on the officer you actually get.

My personal example:
When I was trying to get the family class visa a couple of years ago, the office first told me there would be no problem working. To make sure, my husband posted on the immigration website. Same answer- no problem to work. When I get to the office, no deal.