[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] It has been reported that German authorities have repeatedly denied visa issuance to North Koreans even for health and sports exchanges unrelated to sanctions against North Korea.
According to local sources on the 19th, at the end of last year, the Hans Seidel Foundation in Germany invited one North Korean doctor and two health institution officials for the purpose of observing Germany's advanced healthcare sector.
However, only one doctor and one official received visas from German authorities, while the visa for the other official was denied.
The exact reason for the visa denial has not yet been clearly conveyed.
The North Korean official whose visa was denied is a medical school graduate who reportedly underwent training at a medical institution in Berlin for one year a few years ago.
Additionally, it has been reported that the visa for the North Korean team intending to participate in the World Cup shooting competition held in Munich last May was also denied.
This competition included qualification spots for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Shooting is a sport in which North Korea has shown considerable achievements, including winning gold medals in past Olympics.
Germany has strictly managed visa issuance to North Koreans following international sanctions against North Korea due to its nuclear tests.
According to a response to a government inquiry by a German Green Party lawmaker, German authorities issued visas to 52 North Koreans in 2018 and denied 80 cases.
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