Foreign Worker Released from Detention Through Wage Claim: Successful Temporary Release from Immigration Detention with Help from Dongju Law Firm
A Vietnamese national working in Korea on an expired visa was detained in an immigration detention center after being caught for drunk driving — which also exposed his undocumented status and unauthorized employment. His employer, distressed by the situation and still owing the worker unpaid wages, sought help from Dongju Law Firm to secure the worker’s temporary release.
Dongju’s legal team filed a Temporary Release (보호일시해제) request, citing over ₩10 million in unpaid wages and proving that the worker could not pursue or collect those wages while detained.
To support the case, they submitted:
Documents proving the unpaid wage amount
The employer’s wage confirmation and intent to settle
Legal arguments showing the urgency and necessity of the release for wage recovery
An assurance bond and fines related to immigration violations
✅ The result? The immigration office approved the temporary release, allowing the worker to leave the detention center and begin recovering his wages — all while avoiding immediate deportation.
Key legal background:
Article 65 of the Immigration Control Act allows temporary release under specific conditions
For wage-related cases, the unpaid amount must exceed ₩10 million and release must be necessary for wage recovery
This case shows that even foreign nationals facing multiple violations — including overstaying, unauthorized employment, and drunk driving — can still secure temporary release when backed by legitimate claims and proper legal representation.
If you or someone you know is detained in an immigration center and struggling with unpaid wages, contact Dongju Law Firm. We provide legal defense and strategic support for foreign nationals in Korea.
Full story of success stories / 성공사례 전문
외국인보호소에 구금되었더라도, 임금체불 등 합당한 사유가 있다면 보호일시해제를 통해 일시적으로라도 보호소를 나올 수 있는 길이 열릴 수 있습니다.
법무법인 동주는 체불임금 소명부터 보호일시해제 절차까지 외국인의 입장에서 실질적인 도움을 드리고 있습니다.
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