Protecting your status and your living

While you sort out the wages, your status and daily life must not collapse.

Your residence status

• You can explain to immigration that a complaint is in progress. Handling differs by situation, so consult 1345 first.
• Under the Employment Permit System (E-9 and similar), unpaid wages can be recognised as grounds to change workplace. Check the procedure with 1350 or 1577-0071.
• If little stay period remains, take advice now rather than later. Options shrink once the date passes.

Getting through the week

• 129 (Health and Welfare Call Centre) — emergency living costs, housing and medical support. 24 hours.
• You can be directed to free meal centres and food banks.
• If you have nowhere to stay, temporary housing can be arranged.
• Tell your local foreign residents' support centre or a migrant organisation what has happened.

When it gets too heavy

Money trouble wears people down. Don't carry it alone.

• 1577-0199 mental health crisis line (24 hours)
• 1345 can connect you with interpretation

Source

Ministry of Justice HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr · Ministry of Health and Welfare www.mohw.go.kr / As of 2026-08