What is the difference between a departure order and deportation?

A departure order is a measure where you leave on your own, at your own cost, within a set deadline. Deportation is a measure where the state forces you to leave, whether you agree or not. Deportation is the strongest measure.

Quick comparison

• Departure order
• A person who is subject to deportation but wants to leave at their own cost can receive it.
• You can also receive it if you did not follow a departure recommendation, if your permission was cancelled, or if it is judged that you need to leave after a fine or penalty was imposed.
• A deadline within 30 days is set from the day you receive the departure order.
• When you leave, you must hand in the departure order to the immigration officer.
• Deportation
• This is a measure that forcibly sends a foreigner who broke the Immigration Act out of Korea.
• In principle, you are sent to the country of your nationality.
• You can file an objection with the Minister of Justice within 7 days from the day you receive the deportation order.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

If you receive a departure order and do not leave within the deadline, a deportation order will be issued. If you have no flight, you are sick, or you have another unavoidable reason, you must submit documents proving it to immigration within the deadline and get an extension of the departure deadline.

These measures can affect your re-entry to Korea later. If you have received one or may receive one, get a consultation right away with the K-VISA AI administrative agent (Visa Service in the app). For accurate information, check once more with HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Foreigner Helpline (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).