The risks of unauthorised work

Working without permission is not merely a "fine if caught" matter.

The risks

• Penalties and fines
• Cancellation of residence status
• Deportation and an entry ban
• Continuing disadvantage in future visa applications and permanent residence or naturalisation assessments
• The employer is punished too, so when problems arise they cut ties first and withhold wages.

You still have a right to wages

This matters. Even without work authorisation, you have a right to wages for work actually done.

• You can file with 1350.
• If injured at work, industrial accident insurance also applies. 1588-0075.
• Even if the employer threatens that "reporting hurts you too", wages are a separate matter. Consult 1577-0071 or a migrant support organisation first.

Common situations

• Students working part-time without permission — see student-part-time-rules.
• Working somewhere other than the authorised workplace — see workplace-report.
• Working on a tourist or short-term visa — see visa-run-myth.
• Working in a sector your status does not permit
• Working under someone else's name — a separate and serious crime.

What you can do now

1. Check with 1345 what your status actually permits. It's free.
2. If possible, apply for proper permission or a change of status. See change-of-status.
3. If a violation has already occurred, don't decide alone — get advice. Self-reporting schemes may exist.
4. If wages are unpaid, resolve that first.

Where to go

• 1345 Immigration Contact Centre (20 languages, free)
• 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labour (wages)
• 1588-0075 Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service
• 1577-0071 Foreign Workforce Support Centre
• Local migrant workers' support centres

Questions people ask

Will I be punished if I report it? It depends on the case. Don't decide alone — consult 1577-0071 or a support organisation first. Wages and accident cover can be handled separately.

The employer withholds wages and threatens me. Threats are themselves a crime. Consult 1350 together with a support organisation, and gather evidence.

I'm injured — can I go to hospital? Treatment comes first. Industrial accident cover applies regardless of residence status. Ask 1588-0075.

I don't know how to sort this out. Tell 1345 and a migrant support organisation exactly how things stand. They will look at the options with you.

Take care

"It's illegal anyway, so I'll just endure it" is the most dangerous thinking. Employers exploit exactly that belief to withhold wages and assign dangerous work. Wages and safety are rights separate from residence status. Start with getting advice.

Related

student-part-time-rules · workplace-report · overstay-consequences · unpaid-wages · industrial-accident-basics

Source

Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice www.hikorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08