South Korean police have expressed suspicion that there is a ring illegally bringing Vietnamese into their country through Jeju Island after the recent ‘disappearance’ of 56 Vietnamese people visiting the place, according to the Vietnamese Embassy.  

The suspicion was cast by Korean officials after three out of the 56 Vietnamese tourists had been found being hired for employment at a food processing factory run by a Korean man who is being hunted by police.  

The arrested were among the nine people captured on January 16. The rest were spotted while staying in a motel on the island.

As stated in the act exclusively applicable to the island, all foreign visitors, except those whose countries of origin are somehow linked to terrorism, are permitted to enter and stay on Jeju without a visa for up to 30 days for tourism purposes.

It is alleged that many foreigners make use of this special act to seek jobs, thus it is likely that these Vietnamese were also part of it.

So far, 19 out of the 56 vacationers have been found, said Pham Huu Chi, Vietnamese Ambassador to South Korea.

Ten of them were caught on January 13 and 14 and admitted that they had had to pay about US$2,000 for visiting the island and had chosen motels after being told that these places offered cheaper prices.

“We have no intention of working abroad,” they emphasized.

All airport and harbor entrances on the island have been closely monitored to track the remaining 37.

All of the 56 Vietnamese will be deported, Korean officials said, noting that they will be punished if illegal employment is evident.

The 56 were among 155 Vietnamese vacationers who started visiting the island for a six-day trip on January 12.

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