South Korean authorities have reopened a limited-time pathway allowing undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country without facing the usual penalties tied to overstaying, according to an advisory circulated by the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.
The initiative, formally known as the Special Voluntary Departure Program (SVDP), is being implemented by South Korea’s Ministry of Justice and runs from December 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026. It applies to foreign residents who no longer hold valid immigration status but choose to depart the country on their own within the specified period.
Participants who qualify for the program may avoid fines associated with illegal stay. The program also allows for a reduced entry restriction period, easing the possibility of lawful travel to South Korea in the future.
Eligibility is limited to undocumented foreign residents who voluntarily exit during the program window. The advisory notes that several categories are excluded, including individuals who entered the country unlawfully, those who used forged or altered passports, persons with criminal cases, individuals who failed to comply with previous departure orders, and foreign nationals who became undocumented after December 1, 2025.
Applications and procedural details are handled by the Korea Immigration Service, which provides guidance through its official website. Inquiries may also be directed to the Immigration Contact Center via hotline 1345.
For undocumented overseas Filipino workers who opt to participate, Philippine authorities indicated that reintegration assistance may be available upon return. Interested individuals were advised to coordinate with the Department of Migrant Workers through the National Reintegration Center for OFWs at the Blas F. Ople Building in Mandaluyong City or via email at nrco@dmw.gov.ph.
