Kuwait Allows Entry for 106 Korean Businesspeople as Exceptions... 225 Overseas Koreans Also Returning Home

Officials from 25 Companies Including Hyundai Engineering & Construction Depart for Kuwait on the 11th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Kuwaiti government has granted exceptional entry permission to Korean businesspeople, allowing 106 representatives from 25 companies, including Hyundai Engineering & Construction, to depart for Kuwait.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 10th, 225 overseas Koreans in Kuwait will arrive at Incheon Airport on the morning of the 11th via a special Kuwait Airways flight, and 106 representatives from 25 Korean companies, including Hyundai Engineering & Construction, will depart for Kuwait on this flight.

The Kuwaiti government has banned entry of all foreigners and completely suspended flight operations due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The costs for this flight will be borne separately by the companies and the overseas Koreans.

Korean businesspeople departing for Kuwait must undergo testing immediately before departure and after arrival, and all must test negative to be allowed entry and exit. After arrival, they will be quarantined for 14 days at local facilities.

Korean companies requested entry support to Kuwait last month. Following a letter sent by Minister Kang Kyung-wha to Kuwait, the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport also sent letters requesting entry for businesspeople. After entry was permitted, a letter of appreciation was sent in the name of the Prime Minister.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs evaluated, "It is significant that an exception was recognized while Kuwait is enforcing a complete entry ban." The official added, "The plan to transport 400,000 Korean-made COVID-19 test kits on this flight was discussed, but due to timing issues, they will be transported sequentially on other flights."