Diplomat Warns Against Illegal Entry To S. Korea

Diplomat warns against illegal entry to South Korea

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's Ambassador in Seoul, Mr. Wasin Theerawechayan, today urged Thai labourers contemplating working in South Korea to ensure that they comply with Korean labour legislation, warning that they would be taken advantage of if they work in the country illegally.

Making his comments in response to Seoul's tightening of immigration measures, Mr. Wasin expressed concern over the growing numbers of Thais working illegally in the country, saying that around 5,000 more Thais had entered illegally over the past year.

There are currently around 25,000 Thais working legally in South Korea, with around 10,000 more working in violation of immigration and labour laws.

"This is a matter of extreme concern", Mr. Wasin said.

"And it is provoking the immigration police to beef up immigration measures", he added.

Most Thais who work in South Korea illegally enter the country on tourist visas, but overstay their visas and find employment.

Others enter the country legally on working visas, but illegally switch employer in search of higher income levels.

The Thai ambassador urged Thais thinking of working in Korea to ensure that they comply with all the relevant legislation, noting that Seoul had established a quota for Thai immigrant workers.

"Most factories accepting illegal workers are dangerous, and aren't particularly interested in the health of their workers. There are huge problems, with employers refusing to pay wages in accordance with contracts…employees are being beaten and are being taken advantage of in a huge number of ways", he warned.

--TNA 2005-04-04