A group of 38 Vietnamese tourists who entered Jeju Island under the visa waiver program has been reported missing after failing to board their return flight, according to local tourism authorities on Tuesday. Their disappearance has raised concerns about potential abuses of the visa-free policy and has triggered a focused search operation by immigration officials.
The tourists were part of a group of 90 Vietnamese nationals who arrived in Jeju on November 14 aboard a charter flight operated by VietJet Air from Nha Trang, Vietnam. Their visit was facilitated by Jeju’s visa waiver program, which allows foreign nationals from 64 countries to stay on the island for up to 30 days without needing a visa. This program was established under the Special Act on the Establishment of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Development of Free International City, aimed at promoting tourism and economic growth on the island.
However, out of the group of 90, a significant subset of 38 individuals failed to show up for their scheduled return flight on November 17. Authorities confirmed that the tourists cut off contact and disappeared at the final destination of their itinerary before their departure.
The Jeju Immigration Office, along with local law enforcement, has initiated an operation to locate the missing individuals. Investigators are employing various methods, including the review of CCTV footage from key locations such as tourist sites, airports, and public transportation hubs. Immigration officials are also coordinating with local businesses, hotels, and transportation operators to gather any potential leads on the tourists’ whereabouts.
The situation becomes more pressing as the deadline for their legal stay approaches. According to South Korean law, the 38 individuals will be classified as illegal residents starting December 14, once their 30-day visa-free period expires. Authorities are concerned about the possibility that the group may have deliberately used the visa waiver program as a loophole to enter South Korea illegally for work or other activities.
Jeju’s visa waiver program has been an essential part of the island’s tourism strategy, allowing millions of visitors to enjoy the island’s picturesque landscapes and unique culture without the bureaucratic hurdles of obtaining a visa. The program is designed to attract tourists, bolster the local economy, and position Jeju as a global travel destination.
However, incidents like this have highlighted the potential for exploitation. Critics argue that the lack of stringent checks for tourists entering under the waiver leaves room for individuals to misuse the system for illegal immigration or human trafficking.
In recent years, there have been sporadic cases of foreign nationals overstaying their visa-free period or disappearing entirely after entering Jeju. This latest case involving the Vietnamese tourists is one of the largest and most coordinated disappearances in recent memory, intensifying scrutiny on the visa waiver program.
The disappearance has prompted concerns within Jeju’s tourism industry, which heavily relies on international travelers. The island, recovering from the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen an increase in visitors as travel restrictions ease. However, incidents like this could damage Jeju’s reputation as a safe and welcoming tourist destination.
Local tourism operators are worried about potential repercussions, including stricter entry regulations that could deter tourists. An official from the Jeju Tourism Organization commented, “While we strive to maintain the openness of Jeju’s tourism policies, we must also address the vulnerabilities that incidents like this expose. Balancing tourism growth with national security is crucial.”
South Korean authorities have stepped up their efforts to address the situation. In addition to tracking down the missing individuals, they are reviewing the process through which the group was allowed entry. This includes scrutinizing the role of travel agencies and intermediaries involved in organizing the trip.
The Vietnamese government has also been notified of the incident. Discussions are underway between South Korean and Vietnamese officials to determine whether any additional measures are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A spokesperson from the Vietnamese embassy in South Korea stated, “We are in close communication with South Korean authorities and are committed to assisting in locating our nationals. Ensuring the safety and well-being of Vietnamese citizens abroad remains a top priority.”
The case has reignited debates over illegal immigration in South Korea. As a developed country with strong labor market opportunities, South Korea has become a destination for individuals seeking better economic prospects. Some exploit loopholes in visa policies, including tourist visas and programs like Jeju’s visa waiver.
Authorities fear that such cases could contribute to a rise in unauthorized workers or undocumented residents, complicating immigration enforcement. Human rights organizations, on the other hand, have urged caution, highlighting the need to address the root causes driving such migration, including poverty and limited opportunities in the migrants’ home countries.
The disappearance of the Vietnamese tourists serves as a critical reminder of the challenges in balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the need for national security. While the visa waiver program has undeniably brought growth and international attention to Jeju, it also exposes vulnerabilities that require immediate attention.
Enhanced Pre-Screening Processes: Introducing background checks or mandatory travel agency registrations for tourists entering under the visa waiver program.
Real-Time Monitoring: Implementing a system to track tourist movements during their stay to ensure compliance with their travel itineraries.
Stronger Penalties for Abuse: Imposing harsher penalties for those who exploit the visa waiver system, as well as intermediaries facilitating illegal immigration.
