Yeosu Coast Guard Arrests Illegal Vietnamese Immigrant

Strengthening Crackdown on Employers Hiring Foreigners Illegally

[Yeosu=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Sim Kyung-taek] The Yeosu Maritime Police Station in Jeonnam arrested an illegal immigrant on board a fishing vessel operating off the coast of Goheung for violating the Immigration Control Act.

According to the Yeosu Maritime Police criminal patrol boat, on the 28th at around 13:20, while patrolling west of Oenarodo, Goheung-gun, they identified vessel A (4.99 tons), believed to be a shrimp trap fishing boat, engaged in trap fishing. Upon checking the crew list, a crew member of a different gender was found, prompting a search and inspection.

Although the crew list of vessel A indicated a female crew member, Mr. N (male, 49 years old, Vietnamese nationality) was on board. Upon verifying Mr. N's identity, it was confirmed that his period of stay had expired. He was arrested on the spot and handed over to the Yeosu Immigration Foreigners Office.

Foreigners who illegally stay and engage in employment activities or employers who hire persons without proper residency status are subject to imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won.

A Yeosu Maritime Police official stated, "We will strengthen crackdowns and strictly punish illegal immigrants on board and employers who illegally employ foreign maritime workers." He added, "We plan to continue ongoing enforcement efforts."

Meanwhile, the Yeosu Maritime Police have arrested a total of 86 illegal immigrants over the past three years (30 in 2019, 42 in 2020, and 14 as of July 2021).

Yeosu=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Sim Kyung-taek simkt7@asiae.co.kr