South Korean human rights watchdog calls for better immigration detention safeguards

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) has called for improved procedural safeguards for foreign nationals in immigration detention. Following inspections of the Seoul Immigration Office and the Hwaseong and Cheongju detention centers, the watchdog found that detainees lacked adequate access to review and temporary release forms.

The NHRCK reported insufficient guidance regarding detainees’ rights, including the detention period cap, the extension review process, and the right to request oral hearings. Data indicated that as of August 30 last year, 98.6 percent of extension applications were filed for the legal maximum of three months, a pattern the commission noted occurred without sufficient individual review of repatriation prospects or detention necessity.

The commission recommended that the justice minister ensure facilities maintain necessary forms and issue receipts upon submission. It also urged that the right to request oral hearings be clearly specified on forms, accompanied by necessary interpretation services.