Thai Embassy Advises Nationals in Korea on Overstay Amnesty Plan

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The Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul has called upon Thai nationals living illegally in South Korea to voluntarily come forward to the Immigration Office for repatriation. This appeal, effective until 31 January 2025, comes with an incentive: waivers on fines for overstaying and leniency on future re-entry restrictions for those who comply with the initiative.

Thai citizens wishing to take advantage of this programme must report their status either online or in person at immigration centres. They need to give advance notice of their intention to leave, with a time window between 3 to 15 days prior to their travel date. A valid passport and a confirmed flight are essential. On the day of their departure, they must undergo a compulsory screening process at specified zones in Incheon International Airport's Terminals 1 and 2, arriving at least four hours ahead of their flights.

However, the proposal excludes individuals who overstayed after September 30, 2024, entered South Korea unlawfully, used false passports, or have criminal convictions, as well as those under deportation orders. For those needing to delay their departure, applications for an extension should be directed to the local Immigration Office within the allocated timeframe.

The embassy has detailed the reporting process, directing individuals to register on http://hikorea.go.kr or to follow set procedures at physical Immigration Offices. This move aims to encourage voluntary compliance while easing the legal aftermath for Thai citizens willing to return home.