Kazakh Illegal Workers Can Leave S. Korea Penalty-Free

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has reminded citizens working illegally in the Republic of Korea that they may voluntarily leave the country without facing fines or a re-entry ban until the end of February 2026.

The extension of the voluntary departure program follows agreements reached in 2025 between the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Kazakhstan and South Korea’s Ministry of Justice during negotiations aimed at reducing illegal migration and safeguarding the rights of Kazakh nationals, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The measures are designed to ease legal consequences and support individuals seeking to regularize their status. However, the program does not apply to those who have committed criminal offenses, are subject to compulsory deportation, or have remained in illegal status after December 1, 2025.

To participate, applicants must present a valid passport, submit a voluntary departure application, and provide a plane ticket. Advance notification must be filed with South Korean immigration authorities between 15 and three days prior to the planned departure date.