NHRN
Kathmandu, September 13: Korean immigration has detained more than 20 Nepali workers along with other illegal migrant workers for overstaying their visas, Nagarik daily reported.
Some of them have already been deported to Nepal, while others are being detained at a detention centre due to lack of proper documentation.
The Korean immigration had issued a public notice on September 2 urging the illegal immigrants to voluntarily return home within September saying it would launch a massive crackdown on such immigrants in October and November.
Illegal migrants are terrified as the crackdown came earlier than they expected. Many Nepalis are taking refuge at religious and labour shelters. Some of them have even quit their jobs due to the fear of being detained.
Most of the illegal migrants were detained from their residences and public places. The arrested also includes some pregnant ill women.
It is estimated that there are about 7,000 Nepalis working in Korea. Almost half of them are overstaying their visas.
The Korean government has also decided to fine USD 1,700 and suspend permission for three years to employers hiring illegal migrants