Immigration detainees lack access to key forms, rights information: watchdog
The state human rights watchdog has called for stronger procedural safeguards for foreign nationals in immigration detention after inspections found inadequate access to review and temporary release forms, as well as insufficient guidance on detainees’ rights. The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) said Monday it inspected the Seoul Immigration Office, the Hwaseong Immigration…
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) has urged for enhanced procedural protections for foreigners detained during immigration proceedings following inspections that revealed inadequate access to essential forms and insufficient information on detainees' rights. The NHRCK conducted inspections at three immigration detention centers in Seoul, Hwaseong, and Cheongju to assess how the recently enacted Immigration Act was functioning in practice since its introduction in June 2025.
Under the new legislation, immigration authorities can detain foreign nationals facing deportation for an initial two-month period, with extensions of up to three months allowed through a review process by a detention review panel. The maximum detention period is nine months, with the possibility of extending to 20 months in exceptional circumstances, such as delays in processing refugee claims or violations of the National Security Act.
The inspections uncovered that the detention facilities were deficient in providing adequate review request forms and temporary release applications, raising concerns about detainees' ability to effectively exercise their rights during their confined periods.
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