Wuhan Consulate: "Most 'Chinese Spouses' Also Boarded Wuhan's 3rd Charter Flight"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The '3rd charter flight' to transport Korean residents in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, where the damage from the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is most severe, is being deployed, and it is reported that most of the residents who remained due to issues with Chinese spouses are expected to board.

The Korean Consulate General in Wuhan stated on the 10th, "This time, Chinese spouses are also allowed to accompany, so it seems that most of those who remained are going," adding, "The number of passengers may vary, but it is about 150."

Previously, our government transported 701 Korean residents from Wuhan to Korea in two rounds on the 30th and 31st of last month. At that time, many residents whose spouses were Chinese nationals initially applied to board the charter flight, but upon learning that their spouses could not board due to the Chinese government's policy, they stayed locally.

Subsequently, Chinese authorities changed their policy to allow Chinese nationals who are spouses, parents, or children of Koreans residing in Wuhan to travel to Korea by charter flight with permission.

The consulate expects that about 50 residents will remain in Wuhan city and about 100 including other areas after the 3rd charter flight departs.

They also said, "Five Korean consular officers remain at the consulate, and there are no plans to withdraw," adding, "A considerable number of residents also remain, and since the travel advisory is at level 3, they will stay until it is designated as a level 4 travel ban area."

The 3rd flight is scheduled to depart from Incheon on the 11th, pick up Korean residents in Wuhan, and arrive at Gimpo Airport on the morning of the 12th, and final negotiations with China are currently underway.