Filipino authorities have agreed to return the passports of some 110 South Korean children who were detained in the Philippines for allegedly studying there without permits.

Filipino immigration authorities cracked down on English language camps in Manila between January seventh and 12th after receiving tips that South Korean students were studying at such camps without permits.

The children, most of whom are in elementary or middle school, had their passports seized and had been under the protection of authorities there.

Filipino authorities said Friday that they would return the passports soon so the students can return to South Korea before the end of January.

Officials from the South Korean Embassy visited Filipino authorities on Friday to ask for cooperation in releasing the students. The embassy says it stressed to the authorities that the students were victims.