Korean Job Discussion Forums

Grant · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

I was fired this week. It was under rather amicable circumstances though, as I really want nothing to do with the place anymore anyways.

My boss has agreed to give me all the money I'm owed as well as the release letter. And this is where my question comes in.....

As I understand it I must present this release letter at the Korean embassy in Osaka or wherever it may be if I decide to get another job in Korea.

Is there a different letter I need to give to the Immigration office in Mok-dong?? How does this part of the process work? Some people have told me that I need to go down there and tell them I'm leaving. The EFL-law website says that myself AND my employer must both contact immigration and I have to hand in my alien registration card.

As bizzare as this sounds I sincerely believe my boss has no idea how any of this works and I am going to have to explain to him that he may need to contact immigration also.

From the time Immigration is notified how long do I have to leave the country? I've heard/read everything from 5 days to 30. And all sorts of horrible consequences for an overstay. Anyone with reasonably accurate info on this?

Also anyone with this same experience and doing everything by the books, and then getting hassled when returning on a tourist visa? As of now that is what I plan to do in January after going home for Christmas.

Your help is appreciated.

Grant

J.B. Clamence · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Here's what I would do:

Go to immigration. Show them the letter and find out how long you have. Then ask for an extension (although you may not be able to do that if you only have a few days left).

Then line up a job for January while you are here. While you are home for Christmas, have your new school send you the immigration document, and then take it to the embassy or a consolate in your home country and get your new visa.

That seems to me like the smartest way of going about it.

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Sure seems like a lot of people are getting fired lately.

I guess it's because there were a lot of new hires just under 6 months ago?

bosintang · Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2003 7:51 pm Post subject:

wylde · Joined: 14 Apr 2003

because you have a departure date set (i assume) explain to immigration the situation and that you are leaving anyway and they will grant you an extension.

i know it says you both must go but only your boss needs to go to the immigration office to inform them of your termination.. if he hasn't yet done this you do not need an extension.. you have 14 days (i think 14) after your boss tells immigration you have been terminated.

not sure about this part but... i only needed to hand in my alien card upon receiving my new 1 after getting a new job...
the release letter is to be shown to immigration in korea when you apply for the 'blue paper' to take to japan. letter of release is only needed to get a new e2

it is a bit confusing because you are leaving anyway, i would suggest trying to get a job now, do the paperwork, get your 'blue paper' and have it stamped at a korean embassy at your home country and when you arrive back from xmas holidays just start work.. no need for a visa trip to japan.

J.B. seems to be on the right track but the important thing is to find out when/if your boss spoke to immigration.. cuz thats when the countdown begins.

if you want to come back on a tourist visa that should be no problem but you could save time and the cost of an airfare if you queue up job before you go..
good luck pal