Some of the Chinese authorities’ ‘retaliatory’ quarantine measures against Koreans will be lifted within this week. The Chinese authorities are expected to make an official announcement as soon as the technical issues are finalized.
On the 13th, an official from the Chinese Embassy in Korea cited the fact that the Korean government resumed issuing short-term visas to travelers from China on the 11th, saying, “We (China) are also preparing for related work. We will make an announcement within a few days if possible.”
As the new coronavirus infection (Corona 19) has re-proliferated in China since the end of last year, the Korean government restricted the issuance of short-term visas and additional flights for travelers from China on the 2nd of last month, and required the submission of PCR negative confirmations conducted within 48 hours of entry into Korea. took measures such as
Then, the Chinese authorities claimed that South Korea’s strengthened quarantine measures for entrants from China were “discriminatory against Chinese”, and △ suspended the issuance of short-term visas to Koreans △ suspended the issuance of visas on arrival and transit visa exemptions for Koreans △ Chinese among entrants from Korea Except for foreigners, the mandatory COVID-19 diagnostic test (PCR) was implemented sequentially.
In the midst of this, as our quarantine authorities decided to resume issuance of short-term visas through diplomatic missions in China based on the judgment that “the Corona 19 situation in China has entered a stabilization phase,” it has been expected that the Chinese side will take corresponding measures.
Earlier, at a briefing on the 10th, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, “We will actively consider lifting restrictions on short-term visa issuance for Koreans” regarding the Korean government’s policy to resume short-term visa issuance from China.
In this regard, another official from the Chinese Embassy in Korea explained, “(announcement of the resumption of short-term visa issuance for immigrants from Korea) will not exceed this week.” .
However, as the Korean government decided to maintain the submission of PCR negative confirmations for entrants from China, it is expected that the Chinese authorities will continue to enforce the mandatory PCR for entrants from Korea.
Regarding this, an embassy official said, “I hope (Korea) will quickly lift the PCR-related measures.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.