Wando Coast Guard Strengthens Foreign Affairs Activities to Prevent International Crime

Cases of Unauthorized Departure Attempts Abusing the Visa-Free Entry System Occur... Establishing Order in Stay

Wando Maritime Police Station (Chief Lee Young-ho) announced on the 11th that it will strengthen foreign affairs activities to prevent international crimes as crimes involving stowaway and illegal immigration attempts continue to occur.

Random inspections and searches are being conducted on passenger ships departing from Jeju on the 8th. [Photo by Wando Maritime Police Station]

Recently, the number of foreigners visiting Jeju increased by about 20% compared to the same period last year, and cases of unauthorized departure exploiting the visa-free system have occurred. Therefore, on the 8th, random inspections and searches (including cargo holds and rooftop spaces where concealment is possible) were conducted on passenger ships departing from Jeju to establish order during their stay.

In addition, to enhance the response capability against evolving international crimes, joint inspections of vulnerable foreign affairs areas with related organizations and strengthened inspections and surveillance of ports and harbors with little human presence during late-night hours (disguised as fishing boats and fishing charter boats) will be carried out.

A Wando Maritime Police official urged, "We will further strengthen inspections to eradicate the intent of border intrusion crimes and establish order during stays, and ask the public to report any suspicious ships or people they encounter."

Wando = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil just8440@asiae.co.kr