BANGKOK (NNT) - A deadline has been set for informal Thai workers in South Korea to return to Thailand without paying heavy penalties.

 

Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said the South Korean government has set February 28, as the deadline for Thais working illegally in South Korea to return to Thailand. Any Thai workers currently in the country illegally who return within the deadline will be exempt from the penalty fee of around 30 million won or 800,000 baht.

 

The spokesperson said workers who want to return home can contact South Korean immigration authorities or visit www.hikorea.go.kr. South Korean officials have offered channels for illegal Thai workers to return home since November 7, 2022.

 

The spokesperson warned that informal workers will not be allowed access to welfare in the country and could face exploitation and low salaries while being forced to live in hiding. She also noted that any Thai workers returning under this offer will be able to return to South Korea again in the future.

 

For more information, the South Korean Immigration Contact Center can be reached by dialing 1345, calling the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul at +82-10-6747-0095, or +82-10-3099-2955, or visiting the embassy’s Facebook page.

 

Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230208095743088

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-08

 

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11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

She also noted that any Thai workers returning under this offer will be able to return to South Korea again in the future.

Very distant future.

How do they think a Thai worker is going to pay a 800,000 bht fine ? ????

Edited February 9, 20233 yr by ronster

I love how when its Thai's working totally illegal in Korea its called "informal" workers. What a joke. 

"Informal"?

 

Interesting.

 

I expect we'll see that description used by Thai Immigration as well during their many vinyl-laden roundups/pressers.

 

 

 

 

3 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

"Informal"?

 

Interesting.

 

I expect we'll see that description used by Thai Immigration as well during their many vinyl-laden roundups/pressers.

 

 

 

 

 Although the Thais are not generally working in criminal enterprises in Korea,  except for the happy endings, I guess they mean to include these illegal workers to be part of the "informal economy". The Informal economy sector is large in developing countries, a recognized term in economics https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informal_economy

16 minutes ago, Captain Monday said:

I guess they mean to include these illegal workers to be part of the "informal economy"

Who knows "what" they mean?

 

Previously they were referred to as little ghosts (phi noi).

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40024593

 

 

What are "informal workers"? Is that what they call in Thailand 'illegal workers'?

2 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

Who knows "what" they mean?

 

Previously they were referred to as little ghosts (phi noi).

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40024593

IMHO just a 'whitewashing' of illegal Thai workers' activities abroad. - Have you ever heard or read about 'informal workers' or 'little ghosts' when Thai media or government agencies talk about illegal workers in Thailand?

Edited February 9, 20233 yr by StayinThailand2much

1 hour ago, StayinThailand2much said:

What are "informal workers"? Is that what they call in Thailand 'illegal workers'?

"The spokesperson warned that informal workers will not be allowed access to welfare in the country and could face exploitation and low salaries while being forced to live in hiding." - I think that covers it......

6 hours ago, Captain Monday said:

 Although the Thais are not generally working in criminal enterprises in Korea,  except for the happy endings, I guess they mean to include these illegal workers to be part of the "informal economy". The Informal economy sector is large in developing countries, a recognized term in economics https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informal_economy

Developing countries? 

13 hours ago, zzaa09 said:

Developing countries? 

Yes. You know that woman who sells fruit from a cart blocking the footpath? No food safety license, not paying taxes? 

I knew a guy that worked in Japan for over 25 years illegally. No problems what so ever returning.

Talked to a gal from Thailand last night I know that lives in Japan. He$$ will freeze over or when she gets old. Then a swift return to Thailand.  

So I can overstay my tourist visa in Thailand for years and only pay 20K baht on exit. But Thails have to pay 800K... hahaha