Overseas Workers for Korea to face Biometrics Security

South Korea has warned Philippine jobseekers seeking employment to be aware of its biometric immigration controls.

The notice from the South Korean President, posted at the website of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, states: “We strongly recommend to those who are going to enter Korea to be well aware that the immigration control of Korea has been reinforced and not to listen to any untruthful statement from brokers that changing personal data would make the illegal workers pass through immigration.”

The use of biometrics at immigration control took effect on January 1, 2012 where all foreigners entering Korea are required to undergo fingerprinting and face photography through a computerized system. Data captured is compared to those of overseas workers who held previous records of illegal stay, fraudulent documents, or have criminal records. As of May 2012, 332 persons were caught using forged passports.

Thus, to prevent further inconveniences, overseas workers who hold previous records of staying illegally or engaged in fraudulent documents, are advised to cancel their labor contract in advance. They will most likely be rejected at immigration control, even though they passed the EPS-TOPIK or Employment Permit System – Test of Proficiency in Korean, and have been awarded with labor contracts.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  face photo  |  fingerprint  |  immigration control