"Countries Increasingly Closing Borders Without Notice, 'Entry Ban if You Visited Korea' (Comprehensive)"

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Issues Protest and Restraint Requests
Emergency Due to Business Trip Ban on Companies
Defense Industry Export Discussions Also Disrupted

The first Israeli charter flight carrying 221 Korean tourists arrived at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport on the 25th. / Yeongjongdo - Photo by Kim Hyunmin kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy reporters Yang Nak-gyu, Lim Cheol-young, Park So-yeon] As confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) surge in Korea, countries are increasingly strengthening entry procedures for Koreans. Moves to preemptively ban entry of Koreans without prior consultation are also becoming more active. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged stern protests against countries that unilaterally tightened entry procedures and requested restraint from excessive responses, concerns are growing as overseas business trips by domestic companies are likely to be disrupted.

In response to the repeated entry restrictions without prior consultation, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha strongly expressed concerns about discriminatory controls. Attending the '43rd United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council' held in Geneva, Switzerland on the 24th (local time), Minister Kang said, "I am deeply concerned about the recent reports of hate and hate crimes against people from countries with COVID-19 outbreaks, discriminatory entry and exit control measures, and arbitrary repatriations." She emphasized, "It is important for governments to base their actions on scientific evidence rather than taking measures that cause public panic, to take steps to prevent such incidents, and to join global efforts to end them."

Companies are on high alert as the number of countries restricting entry increases, effectively issuing a 'ban on overseas business trips.' A source from the business community said, "The basic policy is to respond with local branch personnel as overseas business trips are almost completely banned. For existing clients, communication via email or video conferencing is possible, but expanding business with new clients is difficult, and even with existing clients, if complaints are not resolved promptly, relationships may become strained."

A source from the battery industry said, "Currently, there is a directive to refrain from overseas business trips, and only with 'C-level' approval for special reasons can one travel abroad, so there is no immediate problem due to entry restrictions," but added, "However, if the situation prolongs, other problems may arise."

The defense industry is also in a difficult situation. Hanwha defense affiliates are close to export agreements for the K9 self-propelled howitzer, which has achieved export success in India, as well as towed anti-aircraft guns, Redback, and the new 6x6 wheeled armored vehicle TIGON tailored for the Indian Air Force project. However, there are concerns about disruptions due to inability to travel overseas because of COVID-19. LIG Nex1 planned overseas business trips to introduce precision guided weapons optimized for local air defense, maritime, and land environments, such as the portable surface-to-air guided missile 'Shingung' mounted on the Biho combined air defense weapon system, but if importing countries ban departures from Korea, export discussions will inevitably be postponed. Internally, LIG Nex1 is also encouraging employees who have returned from overseas trips to work from home.

Participation in overseas defense exhibitions may also become difficult. Next month alone, defense exhibitions are scheduled in seven countries including Vietnam, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, domestic defense companies are not applying to participate in these exhibitions. The UAE is known as a 'major player in defense' to the extent that President Moon Jae-in is planning a visit, but if entry is refused, defense export routes will inevitably be blocked.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 25th, the number of countries banning entry of Koreans and foreigners transiting through Korea has increased to seven: Samoa, Kiribati, Hong Kong, American Samoa, Bahrain, Jordan, and Israel. Hong Kong banned entry of foreigners who departed from Korea or have visited Korea within the last 14 days starting from 6 a.m. local time on the same day.

Meanwhile, the Israeli government, which deployed two charter flights to repatriate Korean travelers stranded in Israel after traveling there, officially announced on the 24th that it will ban entry of foreigners with a history of visiting Korea. The Israeli government abruptly implemented the entry ban on 177 Koreans on the 22nd without prior consultation with the Korean government.