Incheon—South Korean immigration authorities have arrested eight individuals, including a Burundian national, for allegedly facilitating the entry of Africans into South Korea using counterfeit invitations. The operation was part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration practices targeting individuals seeking to enter the country under false pretenses.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a 64-year-old South Korean was implicated as a key figure in the scheme, having received 5 million won (US$3,649) from a Burundian broker in exchange for fake invitations for ten individuals from Burundi. The Burundian, previously employed at the South Korean’s electrical parts company, has been formally arrested and referred to the prosecution, along with three others who were involved but not detained. In a related but separate case, another South Korean and three accomplices were prosecuted for arranging false invitations for 40 Ethiopians through nonexistent companies, charging each US$500.
The surge in these activities came to light following an uptick in Africans seeking refugee status in South Korea, often after being precluded from entry due to insufficient justification for their visits. "We plan to expand the investigation into those behind the false invitations and the brokers involved, and request the diplomatic missions toughen the evaluation process for visa issuance," stated an official from the immigration office, signaling a more stringent approach towards visa approvals in the future.