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SOUTH KOREA: Immigration Processing Delays

Due to a systems error in December 2019, the processing of immigration applications in South Korea is currently delayed by one to three weeks. The delay is expected to continue into February 2020.

Impact on Foreign Nationals Intending to Exit South Korea

This delay particularly affects foreign nationals waiting for the Alien Registration Card (ARC) to be issued and intending to exit the country. Without an Alien Registration Number, applicants cannot exit South Korea. Applicants waiting for the issuance of their ARC can check whether their Alien Registration Number has been issued by calling a dedicated number at the immigration department. Note that third parties cannot carry out this check on applicants' behalf.

Our Advice

Employers who may be affected are advised to contact a Newland Chase immigration consultant for case-specific advice.

This alert was prepared with information provided by Apex Relocation.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this immigration alert has been abridged from laws, court decisions, and administrative rulings and should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice. If you have specific questions regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Peregrine © 2019 Peregrine Immigration Management Ltd.