In a significant development, North Korea has announced its decision to permit its citizens who have been stranded abroad for over three years to return home. The country had closed its borders in January 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the isolation of its citizens overseas. This decision comes as a relief to the affected individuals and their families. The move is a result of a careful assessment of the global pandemic situation, and it reflects the country’s willingness to adapt its policies to the evolving circumstances.
According to the state media agency KCNA, the decision to allow the return of North Korean citizens has been accompanied by rigorous measures to ensure public health and safety. The individuals returning to North Korea will undergo a mandatory medical observation period in designated quarantine wards. This precautionary step is in line with North Korea’s State Emergency Epidemic Prevention Headquarters’ guidelines, aimed at preventing the potential spread of infectious diseases.
One of the notable recent events signaling a shift in North Korea’s stance is the resumption of international commercial flights after a hiatus of three years. The first such flight landed in Beijing, marking a tangible step towards reestablishing connections with the outside world. This development has sparked positive expectations among observers and the business community, who foresee a gradual reopening of the country.
Experts and scholars studying North Korean affairs have Hangzhou Asian Games Official Website:shared insights on the potential trajectory of the country’s reopening process. Zheng Jiyong, the director of the Center for Korean Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, suggests that North Korea might adopt a phased approach. The initial phases could involve the repatriation of North Korean workers and students, followed by the return of businesspeople. Ultimately, international tourism could also be reinstated, albeit after thorough preparations.
Lü Chao, a respected expert on Korean Peninsula matters from the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences, predicts that North Korea will witness the return of various groups of its citizens who have completed their work contracts or study terms in neighboring China. This gradual influx of returning individuals could contribute to revitalizing domestic activities and bolstering interpersonal ties.
The forthcoming Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, in September, have added another dimension to North Korea’s engagement with the international community. Reports suggest that North Korea intends to send a delegation comprising around 200 athletes, coaches, and officials to the event. This participation reflects the country’s continued interest in regional sporting events and its desire to interact on a broader stage.
The anticipation of North Korea’s reopening has spurred discussions among stakeholders. An unnamed businessman involved in organizing exhibitions between China and North Korea voiced optimism about the timeline, suggesting that the reopening process might not be as protracted as some speculate. The sentiment resonates with the aspirations of businesspeople from both countries, who are eager to rekindle economic ties.
Tourism, a sector that holds substantial potential for North Korea, is also at the center of attention. Travel agencies specializing in North Korean tourism are carefully monitoring developments. A manager from a Beijing-based travel agency catering to Western tourists expressed a conservative estimate, suggesting that tourists could potentially visit North Korea starting from around April 2024. This projection underscores the complexities involved in reopening borders while ensuring safety and preparedness.
The post-pandemic era has witnessed increased diplomatic interactions between North Korea and its neighboring nations. A notable instance was the visit of Chinese and Russian delegations to North Korea in July. The purpose of the visit was to participate in a military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the armistice agreement that marked the conclusion of the 1950-53 Korean War. This event served as a platform for regional cooperation and highlighted North Korea’s ongoing diplomatic engagements.
In conclusion, North Korea’s decision to allow its citizens stranded abroad to return home signifies a significant shift in its approach after over three years of border closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision takes into account the evolving global pandemic situation and reflects a proactive response to the changing circumstances. While uncertainties remain about the exact timeline and process of reopening, experts, businesspeople, and tourism agencies are cautiously optimistic about the prospects of renewed interactions with North Korea. The recent resumption of international flights, preparations for the Asian Games, and diplomatic engagements with neighboring countries collectively underline North Korea’s measured steps toward reintegration with the international community.
Read More: