Thai people still working illegally in South Korea have been warned to leave voluntarily before the end of the year to avoid arrest and being blacklisted.
Singhadet Chu-amnart, director-general of the Department of Employment, said the South Korean Ministry of Justice had advised that the period for the voluntary departure of illegal workers had been extended until the end of December.
People working illegally who remained beyond that period would be at risk of arrest, deportation and being blacklisted from entering South Korea again.
Mr Sinhadet said those leaving voluntarily should ensure they have a valid passport and an air ticket, and report to the immigration office.
Those joining this voluntary departure programme, including people who earlier been denied a visa due to overstay, would be able to later apply to re-enter South Korea.