Irregular Migration Through the Lens of Migration Theories: Testing Classical Theories in Explaining Visa Overstay in South Korea

The Republic of Korea presents an interesting case for testing the predictive power of migration theories in explaining a specific group of undocumented migrants: visa overstayers. Studies of irregular migration often overlook the potential of migration theories to explain migrants’ decisions to overstay their visas. Against this background, this study attempted to contribute to understanding the main drivers of irregular migration to the Republic of Korea from 143 countries between 2003 and 2013. Building on a synthesis of existing migration theories and their testing in the context of U.S. irregular migration, we replicated the analysis for the Korean case using five prevailing migration theories. The findings suggest that the neoclassical theory of migration, segmented labor market theory, and social capital theory are the most effective in explaining variations in irregular migration. Overall, our results are consistent with the predictions of international migration theories, except for social capital theory. Contrary to the generally accepted hypothesis, this study found that greater social capital among Korean migrants is more likely to facilitate legal migration, thereby reducing the need for undocumented stay. Owing to differences in how men and women decide to overstay their visas, we also conducted a gendered analysis. Strict measures against migrant violations, such as deportation, have a deterrent effect on female visa overstays, but do not affect their male counterparts. On the other hand, a strong driver of both female and male undocumented migration remains the labor demand for cheap, low-skilled foreign workers.

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