North Korea to Allow Citizens Stranded Abroad to Return Home
In a significant move, North Korea has announced that it will permit its citizens stranded abroad to return home as the global pandemic situation improves. According to the State Emergency Epidemic Prevention Headquarters, those who return will be subjected to a week-long quarantine for medical observation upon arrival.
The decision is expected to bring back North Korean students, workers, and others who have been stuck in foreign countries due to the pandemic. Known for its strict border policies, North Korea has faced severe economic difficulties and food insecurity as a result of the lockdown measures and travel restrictions imposed to combat the virus.
One of the key reasons for allowing the return of its citizens abroad is the significant role they play in boosting the country’s foreign income. North Korean workers employed overseas have long been a crucial source of revenue for the nation. Their return will undoubtedly have an impact on the economy, as their absence has undoubtedly affected the country’s financial stability.
South Korea’s spy agency previously reported that North Korea is preparing to gradually reopen its borders in order to revive its struggling economy. This move aligns with the recent touchdown of North Korea’s first commercial international flight in several years, which landed in Beijing. It indicates a potential reopening of the borders, bringing hope for increased economic activity.
However, the return of workers from abroad may violate a U.N. Security Council resolution. To circumvent this, there is speculation that the North Korean government may send new workers to China and Russia as a replacement. This would allow the country to sustain its foreign income while adhering to international regulations.
It is unlikely that North Korea will resume accepting Chinese and foreign tourists in the near future. The mandatory one-week quarantine for returning citizens makes it challenging for the country to handle an influx of visitors. However, if the return of its nationals does not result in coronavirus outbreaks, North Korea may consider opening its borders to foreigners next year.
North Korea declared in August 2022 that it had successfully overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. However, stringent border restrictions have remained in place to prevent the virus from re-entering the country. As the global situation improves and more nations relax travel measures, North Korea is cautiously assessing the risks associated with border reopenings.
The decision to allow citizens stranded abroad to return home reflects North Korea’s recognition of the economic strain it has endured during the pandemic. By gradually reintegrating its people, the nation hopes to stabilize its economy and ease the severe challenges it has faced in recent years.
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