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The number of foreign nationals caught working illegally as delivery riders has surged by over 51 percent, with a growing diversity in the nationalities involved, government data showed Tuesday.

Experts are concerned about a vicious cycle in the delivery industry, where labor shortages drive foreign workers to take on illegal jobs. They are calling for stricter regulations and increased legal employment opportunities for foreign nationals, emphasizing that the issue is exacerbated by a lack of interest in low-skilled jobs among Koreans.

Data the Ministry of Justice provided to The Korea Times shows that 177 foreign nationals were caught illegally working in the parcel and delivery service sector as of August this year. This represents a 51.3 percent increase from last year.

The ministry began categorizing and tracking the delivery service separately to monitor illegally employed non-Koreans in the second half of last year.

The decision was driven by a rise in the number of undocumented foreign workers in the sector, as well as an increase in related complaints and crackdowns, the ministry explained to The Korea Times.

The nationalities of those caught have also become increasingly diverse.

Last year, Vietnamese nationals accounted for 80.3 percent of the 117 cases, totaling 94 individuals. While Vietnamese still represent the largest group this year, with 85 out of 177 cases, the number of Uzbek nationals surged from eight last year to 53 this year.

Additionally, illegal workers from Malaysia and Pakistan were identified for the first time, with eight and five individuals caught, respectively.

The justice ministry attributed this trend to the increasing demand for delivery workers, while many Koreans tend to shy away from the job due to low pay, high workloads, and associated risks.

Under the current law, only foreigners holding F-2, F-5 or F-6 visas are permitted to work in the delivery service sector.

However, many foreign nationals, particularly international students, seek out delivery work for income.

On Sept. 27, 48 international students were caught illegally working as delivery riders in Gwangju and South Jeolla Province.

The Gwangju Immigration Office reported that most of those were Vietnamese and Uzbek nationals on D-2 or D-10 visas. They were operating illegal delivery services while attending local universities. The students received fines ranging from two million won ($1,483) to five million won.

Foreign nationals without the appropriate work status may face deportation, up to three years in prison, or fines of up to 30 million won under the Immigration Control Law.

The justice ministry said it will continue to conduct regular crackdowns in response to growing concerns over safety risks.

A foreign delivery worker, caught working illegally, is escorted by police in Gwangju, Sept. 27. Yonhap

Experts are raising concerns over a vicious cycle in the delivery industry, where companies face labor shortages, while foreign workers, including undocumented immigrants and international students, fill the gap by taking on illegal jobs.

"The situation in which delivery companies need workers and foreigners here can easily earn money through these unskilled jobs creates an increase in access to illegal work," said Moon Byung-ki, former head of the Korean International Migration Studies Association.

He emphasized the need for the government to step in, calling for more formal employment opportunities, particularly for international students.

"Supporting scholarships would also help them focus on their studies and move into higher-skilled sectors, rather than concentrating on earning money," Moon said.

Choi Jeong-gyu, an attorney at Wongok Law Firm and an advocate of migrant workers' rights, highlighted that the limited legal work options for international students contribute significantly to the problem.

"It's difficult for students to find jobs that match their visa requirements, as the types of work and hours they are permitted are heavily restricted, which pushes them into illegal employment," he said.

With the increasing influx of foreign nationals to Korea, Choi emphasized the need for a cohesive immigration policy.

"The country requires a central authority to oversee immigration policies. Otherwise, the same problems related to foreign workers will continue to resurface," he said.