Ministry of Justice Detects 642 Foreigners Illegally Employed in Entertainment and Massage Sectors

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The Ministry of Justice announced on the 19th that it conducted a focused crackdown over two months since June on foreigners illegally employed in the entertainment and massage industries, as well as brokers, and apprehended a total of 887 individuals. Additionally, 642 foreigners illegally employed were identified, among whom 3 were arrested. 588 were deported forcibly, 16 were ordered to leave the country, totaling 604 deportations.

By nationality of the apprehended foreigners, Thailand accounted for 527, Vietnam 49, China 33, Russia 12, and the Philippines 11.

A total of 11 brokers involved in illegal entry and employment mediation were caught; 2 were arrested and the rest were sent to prosecution without detention. Additionally, 234 illegal employers were identified, with 13 referred to prosecution and 210 issued warnings.

The Ministry of Justice explained that it focused on cracking down on covert sex trade operations such as massage parlors, officetels and outcall massage services, and host bars where foreigners who entered the country by abusing the visa waiver program were illegally employed.

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon stated, "The basic premise of systematizing related policies, such as establishing an immigration and migration policy control tower, is to establish order in stay, including preventing illegal entry."