[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The government has decided to temporarily suspend the validity of short-term visas to block the spread of overseas re-importation of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). It will also restrict visa exemption and visa-free entry for countries or regions that prohibit the entry of South Korean nationals.
On the 9th, Cha Gyugeun, Head of the Immigration and Foreign Policy Division at the Ministry of Justice, held a briefing at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office and announced that the 'Strengthened Visa and Entry Regulations' with these contents will be implemented from midnight on the 13th. Head Cha explained, "This measure was implemented based on the judgment that a more proactive response to the risk of overseas inflow is necessary to ensure the safety of the people and to prevent the spread of infection in local communities."
◆Temporary Suspension of Short-term Visa Validity= First, the government decided to temporarily suspend the validity of short-term visas issued by all South Korean diplomatic missions worldwide.
Single-entry and multiple-entry short-term visas issued before the 5th that are currently valid are subject to suspension. According to the Ministry of Justice, a total of about 2.36 million cases are affected, including 1.95 million in China and 90,000 in Vietnam.
However, the government judged that the entry of foreigners necessary for corporate activities, such as technicians employed by domestic companies or domestic investors, is necessary, so long-term visas will not be suspended.
Head Cha stated, "Foreigners holding visas whose validity is suspended must obtain a new visa from the diplomatic mission to enter the country," adding, "In this case, the reapplication fee will be waived."
He further explained, "If they have already entered and are staying in the country, they may stay until the previously granted period of stay expires."
◆Restriction on Visa Exemption and Visa-Free Entry= The government will restrict visa exemption and visa-free entry for countries or regions that have imposed entry bans on South Korean nationals due to COVID-19.
This applies to 66 countries with visa waiver agreements, including Spain, Italy, France, Malaysia, and Brazil. It also includes 45 countries and regions where visa-free entry is possible, such as Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.
However, holders of diplomatic or official passports, crew members on arriving aircraft or ships, and businesspeople holding ABTC cards are exceptions and can enter visa-free or under visa exemption as before, according to the Ministry of Justice.
Head Cha said, "Nationals of countries where visa exemption and visa-free entry are restricted must obtain a visa in advance from a South Korean diplomatic mission to enter the country."
He added, "In the case of visa waiver agreements, there is some time required between notifying the counterpart country of suspension and the enforcement of the measure," noting that "the timing of application may vary depending on the country."
◆Strengthened Visa Screening for Applicants= The government also announced that it will strengthen visa screening for all visa applicants.
Accordingly, all applicants for short-term and long-term visas must submit a medical certificate issued by a medical institution indicating the presence or absence of COVID-19-related symptoms, and will undergo enhanced visa issuance screening, including health status interviews at diplomatic missions after applying for a visa.
Head Cha said, "This applies to all foreigners applying for visas, including nationals of countries whose visa exemption and visa-free entry are temporarily suspended," adding, "Only medical certificates issued within 48 hours from the date of application will be accepted."
However, in cases of diplomatic or official purposes, essential corporate activities such as investment or technology provision, family members of nationals, or humanitarian reasons, the head of the diplomatic mission may promptly issue visas. Even in these cases, submission of the medical certificate is not waived, the Ministry of Justice explained.
Head Cha emphasized, "This measure does not completely ban the entry of foreigners; essential corporate activities will continue to be guaranteed," and "Entry is possible once a new visa is obtained."
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