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Repatriation: Where Are You Sent After Deportation?

Learn how the destination country is determined during repatriation after a deportation order in Korea.


 Kababayan, a question I get a lot from worried family members is this: if deportation happens, where exactly does the person get sent? Let's talk about how repatriation actually works.

Under the law, a person who receives a deportation order is generally sent back to the country of their nationality or citizenship. That's the default and most common outcome.

But what happens if, for some reason, that country isn't able to receive them? The law actually allows for alternative destinations in that case — including a country the person previously lived in before coming to Korea, their country of birth, a country they boarded a ship or plane from on their way to Korea, or even a country they voluntarily wish to be sent to, if arrangements can be made.

This flexibility matters a lot, especially for people whose situations are more complicated — for example, someone who has lived most of their life outside their country of citizenship, or someone facing genuine danger if sent back to their home country.

This is actually where the topic of refugee applicants becomes especially important. If a person subject to deportation is also in the middle of a refugee recognition process under Korea's Refugee Act, there are additional protections that come into play — specifically, the principle against forced return to a country where the person could face serious danger, which is often referred to as the principle of non-refoulement.

I'll be honest, kababayan — this is one of the more emotionally difficult topics we've covered so far, because repatriation isn't just a legal process, it's about where someone will actually live, work, and rebuild their life. If you or someone you know is facing a complicated repatriation situation, especially involving safety concerns in the home country, this is absolutely a situation where professional legal help and refugee support organizations should be contacted as early as possible.

In the next article, we'll go deeper into the specific protections available to refugee applicants facing deportation, since this is such an important and sensitive topic.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. If you have a specific case, please consult a lawyer or the immigration office directly.


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About the Author



English Instructor in South Korea | 22 Years of Teaching Experience

Majella Pagayon is the founder of Pinoy Sarang, a community platform dedicated to helping Filipinos navigate life, work, education, and immigration in South Korea. She regularly writes practical guides, safety tips, and educational resources for Filipinos living and working abroad.

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I am Majella, an English Instructor with nearly 22 years of teaching experience in South Korea. Based in Chungju, I am the founder of Pinoy Sarang and Hiraya Filipina Korea. My mission is to bridge the gap between traditional teaching and the digital business world, helping others find their path to success.