Mokpo Coast Guard Strengthens Crackdown on 'Visa-Free Illegal Entry'

Sudden Inspections Conducted on Passenger, Cargo, and Fishing Vessels on Jeju Route

Mokpo Coast Guard is conducting crackdowns on visa-free illegal immigration. Photo by Mokpo Coast Guard

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Mokpo Maritime Police Station announced on the 1st that it will strengthen special foreign affairs activities to block and apprehend visa-free entry violations due to the increase in foreign tourists entering the country following the resumption of the Jeju visa-free system.

Last month, it was revealed that about 10 out of 178 Thai group tourists who entered the country did not board the flight returning to their home country.

In addition, among about 150 Mongolian tourists who entered for medical tourism purposes, 23 lost contact, and 5 Mongolian and Thai individuals who attempted to leave the island were caught by the Jeju Immigration and Foreigners Office.

Accordingly, Mokpo Maritime Police is intensifying surprise inspections at sea and ports, targeting passenger ships, cargo ships, and fishing boats, anticipating an increase in visa-free violations in Jeju, focusing on verifying illegal stay and employment information of foreigners, and stepping up crackdowns.

Furthermore, they plan to expand cooperation by sharing information on foreigner departures from the region with related organizations such as local passenger and cargo shipping companies, the Fisheries Cooperative, and the Foreign Employment Center.

A Mokpo Maritime Police official stated, “As visa-free illegal entry crimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated and organized, we will further strengthen related foreign affairs activities,” and urged, “If you suspect or discover crimes related to illegal entry, please report immediately to the Maritime Police.”