North Korea allows citizens abroad to return home

Summary:

• North Korea announces the return of its citizens abroad after an extended period of border controls.
• Citizens returning home to undergo one-week medical observation and quarantine.
• Flight from Pyongyang to Beijing marks a significant development since the pandemic lockdowns.
• Speculated purpose of the flight is to assist stranded North Koreans in returning home.
• Gradual reopening process includes increased cargo traffic and limited international passenger travel.
• Recent diplomatic interactions with China, Russia, and Kazakhstan demonstrate North Korea's cautious reintegration.

North Korea says it's letting its citizens back in for the first time since the pandemic, following some four years of tight border controls. Pyongyang's epidemic prevention official said a day earlier the approval was in line with the ease worldwide pandemic situation.

Policy Change Announced

North Korea's official media announced on Sunday that the country is allowing its citizens abroad to return home, marking a significant policy change after several years of strict border controls. The move comes as the North's first public announcement of the change in approach.

Medical Observation and Quarantine

According to the North Korean epidemic prevention official, citizens returning home will undergo proper medical observation at quarantine wards for a duration of one week. The decision seems to be in alignment with the improved global pandemic situation. This step is aimed at ensuring the safety of both the returning citizens and the local population.

Flight from Pyongyang to Beijing

The recent policy shift follows the landing of a flight from Pyongyang in Beijing. This flight was the first of its kind since the pandemic-related lockdowns were initiated in 2020. The extended lockdowns led to the closure of foreign embassies in Pyongyang, as they faced challenges in staff rotation and supply shipments.

Assisting Stranded North Koreans

The flight that arrived in Beijing was speculated to be transporting North Koreans who were stranded in China for the past three years. Tour companies operating in North Korea suggested that this flight aimed to shuttle these individuals back to their home country.

Gradual Reopening and Recent Developments

North Korea's reopening process has been gradual and cautious. While there has been a slow increase in cargo train and ship traffic over the past year, the country has only recently begun permitting some international passenger travel. Notably, Chinese and Russian government delegations visited Pyongyang last month, marking a significant diplomatic development. Additionally, this month witnessed North Korean athletes traveling to Kazakhstan for a Taekwondo tournament, crossing the border into China.

North Korea's move to allow its citizens abroad to return home signifies a noteworthy change in its pandemic-related border control policies. The country's cautious approach to reopening, as evidenced by gradual changes and diplomatic interactions, highlights its commitment to safeguarding public health while reconnecting with the international community.