Deadline nears for 'little ghosts'

Thai workers who were approved to re-enter South Korea on work visas take a group picture prior to departing from Suvarnabhumi airport’s departure terminal. (File photo: Department of Employment)

The Ministry of Labour on Saturday urged undocumented Thai workers, or "little ghosts", in South Korea to report to Korean immigration authorities before a Feb 28 deadline so they can have an opportunity to return to the country and work legally under a special programme.

South Korea's Special Voluntary Department Programme ensures the migrants will not face legal action, said Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin. The programme, which opened on Nov 7, provides an opportunity for migrants to return to South Korea to work legally after agreeing to return to Thailand, he said.