Illegal migrants in South Korea have one month to exit

Why undocumented workers in Korea are rushing to leave by March / Photo: Shutterstock, photo editor: Serikzhan Kovlanbayev

Kazakh citizens staying in South Korea without valid work permits may voluntarily leave the country without facing fines or re-entry bans through the end of February 2026, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Protection said.

The reminder applies to individuals who are currently in South Korea without legal employment status and wish to resolve their immigration situation without penalties.

The ministry said the extension follows negotiations held in 2025 between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and South Korea’s Ministry of Justice. The talks focused on reducing illegal migration and strengthening protections for Kazakh citizens working abroad.

The voluntary departure program allows undocumented workers to legalize their exit and avoid tougher sanctions from South Korean authorities. However, the program does not apply to individuals who have committed criminal offenses subject to forced deportation or to those who became undocumented after Dec. 1, 2025.

To take part in the program, participants must hold a valid passport, submit a voluntary departure application and purchase an airline ticket. Advance notice must be filed with South Korean immigration offices between 15 and three days before the planned departure date.

The ministry also emphasized that overseas employment should only be pursued through legal channels. Working without proper authorization can result in deportation, financial penalties, entry bans and an increased risk of labor exploitation, officials said.