Korean Job Discussion Forums

[eamo]

Seems to be a lot speculation here as to where, when and how the immigration will check-out teachers ID's.

I assumed it would all happen at the hagwons. They simply have to visit, unannounced, around 4 o'clock and check the visa status of any teachers there.

If there is a big, concerted crackdown they'll probably get around most hagwons after a few weeks.

As I see it, that's the only realistic way they could do this.

[Bozo Yoroshiku]

[Hollywoodaction]

[Teufelswacht]

Captain Corea: The question you had about bank accounts reminded me of something I was told by a friend of my wife a few months ago. My wife's friend is a senior manager at a branch of a LARGE Korean bank. She told my wife that they are routinely asked to provide immigration with bank account information on all foreigners doing business at her branch. I don't think it would be too difficult for immigration to identify potential "EFL desperadoes." All it would take is a phone call or 2 a fax and/or e-mail and poof! As far as putting the money in a Korean's name, as discussed by JG, that may be a way around it for some - don't know.

Chronic: I reread my first sentence and it seemed like I was saying "Nya, Nya I posted it first" - oops - didn't mean it that way.

[Hollywoodaction]

[JongnoGuru]

Indeed it sure does strike us as outrageous, Hollywood. But really, this isn't new, nor is it something that is only of concern to foreigners. That Korean banks are seen as vulnerable to pressure from government agencies (the Korea National Tax Administration, primarily) has an awful lot to do with the success of Citibank's 'wealth management' operations -- Koreans assume their government can't twist the arm of an American bank the way it does with local banks.

What Teufelswacht says here regarding the IO accessing bank account info doesn't surprise me either, as I've seen enough evidence of it over 10 years. Some of that evidence has been from thoroughly reliable second-hand sources, as well as from one instance that involved me personally. It was clear from the specific things that the IO knew -- and what it didn't know -- that their information could only have come from the banks.

Generally, (or so I'd like to think) the IO obtains most of the information it gathers on foreigners' banking activities directly and in person, not via the clandestine methods mentioned above. And that is what I've heard, too. The majority of cases that I'm familiar with -- as in, I know the person who was investigated -- the IO agents came straight to the home and obtained the bankbooks there. In some cases, the Korean wife is home alone and, understandably, is not conditioned nor brave (crazy?) enough to outright refuse to hand over her & her husband's bankbooks.
Fun times!

But the cases I've referred to span many, many years. I just can't believe it's worth worrying too much about. Yes, they're going to get some people, no question of that, if only to "show results" in terms of numbers of foreigners caught, investigated, fined and deported. It's the only way they can show their superiors and the Korean public that they're doing their jobs. Police squad cars and paddywagons in Hongdae for Club Day serve the same PR purpose. These, in the Korean context, are "feel-good" measures.

[Captain Corea]

Well, I didn't think the banking part of it would cause so mch discussion.. hmmm, maybe some people have to watch where they put their money (just kiddin' guys).

Anyways, I have heard of more than one instance where they have held someone at the airport (can you beleive it?) and did a quick search on their name for bank transactions. if they say, had.. um 20 mill go out of the country last year in their name but were tourists.. they get turfed and any assests remaining seized.

I asked my wife to call Immi and ask the some questions; "What rights do foreigners have when being questioned?", "What rights do they have in regards to searches?", ect...

To my surprise she refused(!!??). I was quite shocked as part of her job is checking into the rights and situations of foreign workers. She said that even as a Korean, calling the Ministry of Immigration it is often THEY who do the asking. If she phoned (and she has in the past for work related topics), they bombard her with a barrage of "who are you?" "where do you work?" "why are you asking these questions??".

Hmmmm... maybe i shoud get off my butt and go to the foreigners help desk/office and ask them instead of buggin' my poor ol' wife al the time.

[Homer]

Immigration can and does check accounts. They did at my bank last year...

Its pretty simple really, if your clean, you have nothing to worry about.

It is surprising that they are allowed to do these checks but it if they want to get rid of illegal teachers, it is a good way to sniff them out. A simple checks of wire transfers will do (if those are being used).

In the end, your legal, this does not concern you. Your illegal, then it concerns you.

Not much of a debate if you ask me.

[hypnotist]

Hrm. Better learn the Korean for "I am not a teacher, I am here on business" quickly. And start wearing my suit to Gecko's.

[Teufelswacht]

I found another interesting article in the KT. If this has already been posted and discussed - sorry. I found a couple of parts of particular interest.

[funplanet]

checking one's financial records without any suspicion of criminality and due process of law is outrageous and there is no excuse for it...

but oh, I forgot....we are all suspect criminals in this country

[JongnoGuru]

Guilty till proven innocent? Innocent till proven guilty? Ahh what's the big difference! You'll be guilty when it serves the purposes of the court (of mob opinion!)

It's sometimes wise to remember that this is the country of "President today, Jailbird tomorrow". (and vice versa)

[Hollywoodaction]

[JongnoGuru]

[Hollywoodaction]

Jeffrey Miller, Yoon Won-sup...great article. Finally.