Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Singer]

For those who are seeking a release letter from their hagwons.

Be warned that the immigration office in Mok-Dong, Seoul has passed a new policy that states that any release letter submitted to immigration will NOT be accepted unles the employee has served at least 9 months of his/her contract, or the hagwon can prove that they simply cannot pay the employee: ie bankruptcy.

So as you can see, the strangle hold tightens. Immigration posts these updates on their Korean language only website and within the office itself, but doesn't make any effort to inform the hagwon bosses or even applicants until the situation is upon them.

So, even though your boss may be willing to release you before 9 months, immigration will say no and send you back. Now, both you and your boss are stuck to fulfill your contract. However, most of us can predict in general what the Korean boss will do. He'll ignore the contract and state that you wanted out - so your out and will not honor the contract. What do you do then?

Well, if that does happen to you...let me know...I can help you through it. I never guarantee success as it is very rare to be successful in these situations, but I can show you the way if you're willing to push.

[Timo]

Please post the source link, and or the text in Korean with the reference.

Thanks.

[Singer]

the source is the immigration office in Mok-Dong....call them like I did.

[ExpatriateJoe]

Most people who have been living in Korea any real length of time would know that Immigration offices often set their own policies. Yet, if you inform yourself and go as far as to get some volunteer labor counselling group to work on your behalf, then you will find that the Immigration office will back down.

Check out www.efl-law.com for advice.

[The Lemon]

[Anda]

The head of each immigration office has the power to change things to a degree as they see fit. Generally they just want you to fly to Japan between jobs and shell out the full visa fees again. Unless your old boss has placed a complaint on you then it is unlikely that you will be stopped from coming back straight away. The thing with immigration is, not to argue, just go along with them on whatever they say provided you can continue to work here. Sometimes this can mean paying a fine that you think is unfair.

[Crazy Oz]

The set your own policies thing seems to be common. Last year when I renewed I had to do a visa run even though it was the same school etc. Why? Apparently my boss had not immediately greeted an immigration inspector on a visit to the school. The guy was shirty about it, and unluckily was in the office when it was time to do the renewal. No skin off my nose, I enjoyed the day in Osaka. This time around it took three attempts before it was right, even though the paperwork required was supplied straight up (same school...blah blah blah). But I missed out on my trip to Osaka this time, and got my happy stamps on the Foreigner Card and in the Passport locally for 30,000 won.
As for the 1 year thing, they made no mention of it and actually asked me how long I wanted the extension for. I told them that I thought it must be for 1 year...their reply..."any period for up to one year, and you can leave without problems with a Release Letter."



Still crazy, still here.

[Singer]

As mentioned in the original annoucement, this is a new policy set down by the Mok-Dong office. It was effective Feb. 1 of this year and Mok-Dong is strictly enforcing it. The reason I made it an announcement was for your information. It was not meant to be a topic up for debate. It is a fact. If you choose not to believe it, that's fine - I sure hope you don't find yourself in a position where you need a release letter that will be submitted to Mok-Dong.

In the meantime, we all just try to keep our noses clean and get through each day without stirring up some you know what.

Take care of yourselves...and help each other.

[Anda]

My post wasn't against what you are saying as it is apparent that it is correct. What I am saying is that once you exit Korea and hand in your alian card then your E2 is automatically cancelled. This means that you no longer have a valid work visa in your passport. You can then come back in on a travel visa or apply outside of Korea for a new work visa. This is different from extending an alian E2 visa in country. Most that haven't caused any trouble previously are usually allowed to gain another work visa this way.
But like everything, this also might have changed!

[William Beckerson]

It's been my experience that there's no problem with Immigration that a few hundred thousand won and a bottle of soju doesnt fix.

Not saying they're corrupt now...

[Singer]

Anda: Yes, you are correct. Provided, as you say, there has been no reports of you creating problems. A lot of bosses, however, will create fictitious reports about your conduct in Korea, so it's wise to keep a heads-up about things like that.

As for a few hundred thousand won and a case of whiskey, well most of us that have been here for a while do realize this. It's the Korean way - lol! Morals? Ethics? Work within the law? What is all that?

[mysteriousdeltarays]

All these local offices have their own ideas.

Don't get defensive! I'm sure what you are saying is correct.

Any idea of what is going on elsewhere? Mok-Dong, I'm sure other areas/locations are flooded with "fugitives from wonderland." A vague reference to the web site of a similar name.

I'd love some feedback on this beyond "Call them!"

Gee (do you think that will make it through Dave's PC censorship?)
I'm not questioning what you are saying.

I know that you can easily get visas in some countries that would be automaticly denied in others. Same documentation, etc.

I think that you are probably right, but still. It is a serious question.

Worthy of some thought.

I haven't been paid in months. I can't do six months more,
and then walk "out" with nothng. Not at my age.

I'm not so happy as it is.

I literally don't care on a very real level, what happens to me.

I like the kids, but pull pull me out in a body bag, I'm one of those losers who can't go home.

Are you sure of this?

With luck just Mok-Dong!

[Anda]

You are a little hard to follow. If you are not getting paid then all you need to do is see immigration and ask them if is okay to find a new employer that will pay you. Take your bank book along with you to show that you haven't been paid. Provided you just stick to wanting to move and don't ask them (immigration) to make your current boss pay up then they will normally help.
If you want to chase back pay then wait until you have moved and then try through the labour board or whatever. I have moved a number of times but I've never taken legal action.

[Singer]

Anda is right. And I'm right. Call the immigration office!!!!! It's that simple. Koreans may be tough on immigration, but they are also human. Legal action is always a last result, but if you talk to the immigration people, you can at least know where you stand. And always get a name.

As for your comment about getting defensive. I'm not getting defensive, I'm simply answering your question. As I said in the original announcement, the immigration office is my source - that being the one in Mok-Dong. If you have any doubts or questions about that, then you call them, or the immigration office in your area. Find out for sure for yourself.

Best of luck.

[jajdude]

I am concerned as I just left my job. I gave notice and the boss is OK with my departure, and wished me luck whatever I do next. I got the release thing which I made up myself. I did six months. I intend to visit Canada this week, then return in 2 or 3 weeks and get another job. I imagine few hassles but maybe I could be in for a shock, and better go elsewhere? Somehow I doubt it. I've been through so much crap in 5 years or so it doesn't even matter. But I'll let you know. Hey "Mysterious Delta Rays" what's going on? See you soon dude - love you too!