A text message is currently spreading through the Myanmar community and other refugee and migrant networks. It claims that “a law firm’s petition is all it takes for an undocumented person to pay a fine and receive a D-10 or E-7 visa.” After checking directly with the Korea Immigration Service under the Ministry of Justice, this is not true. No such policy exists, and anyone asking for money on the basis of this message is very likely running a scam.

The Text Message

The message being shared reads as follows:

“As part of the regularization of stays in South Korea, immigration could, after pleading by a law firm, grant a residence permit to any person living illegally on Korean territory but the people must be ready to pay a penalty. This applies to anyone who no longer has their ID, can get D-10 and E-7 VISA.”

Official Verification

When we contacted the Korea Immigration Service directly, here is what we were told:

  • Stay Management Division (02-2110-4058): “This is the first we have heard of this. No such policy has been confirmed.”
  • Immigration Investigation Division (02-2110-4078): Same response, no such policy could be verified.

The Immigration Contact Center (1345) had also not received any inquiries about this at the time of checking.

Why Is This Message False?

Under Korea’s current Immigration Control Act, foreigners who are undocumented (staying without legal status) are, as a rule, not permitted to apply for a change of status from inside the country. Both the D-10 (job-seeking) visa and the E-7 (designated activities) visa can only be applied for by people who already hold a valid legal status.

In fact, the Ministry of Justice’s current policy is the opposite of what this message claims. From 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026, a Special Voluntary Departure Programme for Undocumented Foreigners is in effect. Under this programme, undocumented people who come forward and leave Korea voluntarily can have their fines waived and future re-entry bans deferred. This programme is about encouraging people to leave, it does not legalise anyone’s stay.

Why This Message Is Dangerous

  • Risk of financial harm: The message says you must “be ready to pay a penalty,” which is designed to make people believe that paying money will fix their status. This creates the perfect setup for scams, voice phishing and broker fraud in particular.
  • Increased legal risk: If you act on a policy that does not exist and are caught by immigration enforcement, you could face forced deportation and a ban from re-entering Korea.
  • Risk of personal data theft: Scammers or fraudulent agents may offer to “help you apply” and then ask for your passport, ID copies, or other personal documents.

If You Receive This Message

  1. Do not send money. Be suspicious of any request for payment, fines, processing fees, document fees, anything.
  2. Verify through official channels.
    • Immigration Contact Center 1345 (available 24 hours, in multiple languages)
    • Visit or call your local Korea Immigration Service office
  3. Tell the people around you. Help stop this message from spreading further in your community.
  4. If you have already been harmed, report it.
    • National Police Agency: 112 (to report a crime)
    • Financial Supervisory Service: 1332 (for financial fraud)

If You Are Currently Undocumented

If you are worried about your status right now, please reach out to a legal support organisation first. There are places that can help you at no cost.

  • Korea Legal Aid Corporation: www.klac.or.kr / dial 132 (no area code needed)
  • APIL (Advocates for Public Interest Law): www.apil.or.kr, specialises in refugees and migrants
  • Refugee Rights Centre (Nancen): www.nancen.org
  • Immigration Contact Center: 1345

Before taking any action, please confirm the latest details, deadlines, amounts, and eligibility, directly with 1345 or your nearest Korea Immigration Service office, as information can change.