Korean Job Discussion Forums

justin moffatt · Joined: 29 Aug 2006

Heard an interesting story last night. I ran into an old friend who has been in Korea for over 20 years. This individual had been a close consort when I previously went through some serious immigration troubles. His understanding of Korean culture, and knowledge of Korean law and systems is extraordinary. That being said . . .

He informed me that he had been busted teaching corporate classes 1 hour a week for an agency. Apparently, the agency had been raided by authorities and his name was found in their computer system. He was checked out as having only an E2 visa with his university (no additional permission). He was hauled in, and told that he had two choices:

a) Pay a 10 million won fine, and be deported without the option of returning to Korea for some time.

b) Work for the Korean government in a "sting" operation in deporting foreigners who are violating their visa conditions AND blackmail/close existing agencies who are engaging in this practice of hiring illegally.

He chose the latter. Supposedly, the operation works as follows. He finds advertisements on various job websites which clearly do not indicate F2/F4/F5 visa wanted (both full and part time positions). He applies and often gets an interview (his resume is impeccable, 20 years of experience in Korea at top univeristies and chaebols). Once the company offers him the position (without suggesting receiving permission from immigration or a visa run), he reports the company to the authorities. At this point, the authorities attend to the agency, raid the office receiving all names of foreigners in their system, track down these individuals (if they are in violation of their visa conditions) and deport them. Furthermore, they often impose a 10-20 million won fine for smaller companies, and up to 100 million won fine for larger companies (depending on how many illegal foreigners were registered).

My friend has claimed that 4 agencies have been investigated so far (including the one I used to work for with him). He also stated that he has been recently asked to locate foreigners who are using or selling drugs.

The only part of this story in which I question it's integrity is who he claims the authorities to be, that being, the police. As far as I am aware, the police have nothing to do with immigration issues, and do not have any authority to impose fines. Perhaps, he was refering to "immigration police". I will follow up with clarification later.

For the record, he is not the first person I have heard of that has reported foriegners to authorities, and based on the current government's agenda to "crack down" on illegal behaviors by foreigners I would not be too surprised if this story is true. Moreover, I have colleagues in agencies who have experienced similar experiences, and this is why they often keep F2 visa holder's ARC copy to use for their illegally employed non-F2's if investigated.

Kimchieluver · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

I say BS.

Otherside · Joined: 06 Sep 2007

Sounds interesting...

If it's true, it's nice to see they are actually going after the agencies and not just the teachers.

The whole "lets use him to find drug dealers now" is a bit strange. Using a middle-aged guy (former university lecturer etc) in a drug sting operation makes about as much sense as sending a middle-school girl to Iraq to drive a tank...

justin moffatt · Joined: 29 Aug 2006

Otherside:

If what he claims is true, about finding "drug using or dealng" foreigners, I don't find it that strange. He looks very young for his age (early 40's), and is highly connected within the foreigner community. He also claims that they have offered him a minimal sum for foreigners caught under these pretenses. He is extremely reluctant to accept.

To be honest, I truly feel sorry for him and worry about his situation. Based on my numerous readings on Korean culture, politics, and law, I would not want to be in his position. I emplored him to finally let go of Korea and go elsewhere, however, after spending half your life somewhere it's probably not so easy.