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The South Korean Justice Ministry

South Korea’s Ministry of Justice (MOJ) will stop checking the validity of foreigners’ residency status for the month of May while the government focuses on testing and treating undocumented foreigners for COVID-19. The MOJ announced the decision, which also applies to local governments, on May 4. 

The MOJ plans to halt its enforcement of residency rules for the time being in areas that run community health centers, COVID-19 screening centers, and drive-thru testing centers. During the same period, undocumented foreigners will not be apprehended while they’re on their way to get medical care. 

If employers allow their undocumented workers to be tested in line with the disease control authorities’ guidelines, the MOJ is also seriously considering the idea of reducing or waiving the fines they would face if the authorities find their undocumented workers at a later point. 

The MOJ measure was prompted by concerns that the virus could spread again if undocumented foreigners shun testing and treatment due to fears of arrest. Singapore, which had been rated as having done a relatively good job of controlling its outbreak, has seen a recent rise in cluster infections originating in dormitories where migrant workers live under poor conditions. 

On May 1, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCHQ) announced that it would allow for free coronavirus testing for international residents who were presenting symptoms such as fever and coughing but were not eligible to remain in South Korea due to an expired visa or other factors. 

Speaking at a CDSCHQ meeting at the Central Government Complex in Seoul on Apr. 29, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said, “The estimated 380,000 or so undocumented foreigners should be approached from a disease control perspective rather than one of immigration management.” He also instructed that the undocumented international residents should be “supplied with masks and allowed to receive treatment from public health centers and clinics without fear of being identified.” 

The MOJ said it planned to “provide maximum support for disease control activities by related agencies and local governments through a moratorium on crackdowns and incentives to employees who encourage foreigners to get tested.” 

“We also plan to cooperate closely with local governments through local immigration offices, including support with interpreting services,” it added. 

By Lim Jae-woo, staff reporter 

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