Party and Government Prioritize Identifying Korean Nationals in the Middle East... Reviewing Oil Supply Measures

Assessing the Status of Korean Nationals and Travelers in Dubai and the UAE

"Closely Monitoring the Situation in the Strait of Hormuz"

Considering Joint Meetings with Relevant Standing Committees

On March 3, the Democratic Party of Korea discussed measures to ensure the safety of Korean nationals residing in the Middle East, including Dubai, in light of the armed conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The party and government agreed to focus on assessing the safety of citizens living in the Middle East and monitoring the status of oil and other shipments.

On this day at the National Assembly, the Democratic Party held a party-government meeting on the Iran situation, attended by members of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After the meeting, Assemblyman Kim Youngbae, the Democratic Party's coordinator for the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, stated, "We have decided to concentrate on measures to protect nationals, as well as determining the number and status of travelers and residents." He added, "Relevant government agencies, including local embassies, are currently gathering information." Assemblyman Kim explained, "There are about 20,000 Korean nationals in 13 countries in the Middle East, consisting of approximately 4,000 short-term travelers and 17,000 long-term residents."

In particular, with regard to about 2,000 travelers currently in the United Arab Emirates, authorities are preparing countermeasures after listening to local opinions. For Korean residents in Iran and Israel, safety measures such as relocating to neighboring countries are being implemented.

Assemblyman Kim said, "We are inspecting available means of transportation and accommodation for possible transfers to neighboring countries where safety can be ensured."

Ahn Jung-ae, a member of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Democratic Party-Ministry of Foreign Affairs party-government meeting regarding the Iran situation held on March 3 at the National Assembly Members' Office Building. 2026.3.3 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Regarding oil supply, the party currently does not see any immediate cause for concern. Han Jeongae, the Democratic Party's Policy Committee Chair, stated, "From an industrial perspective, we have secured enough oil and gas reserves to last about 200 days, so we do not foresee any urgent issues arising." Nevertheless, she added, "Relevant authorities are making efforts to secure alternative oil import routes."

Regarding oil supply measures, Assemblyman Kim noted, "The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is extremely important for Korea's energy security. We plan to accurately assess the shipment status, including oil, of the 30 vessels currently in the region, and report our findings before the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee meeting on March 6."

Given the fluidity of the situation, the party and government plan to focus on ensuring the safety of nationals and energy security while managing developments closely.

Additionally, considering the potential impact on the domestic economy, the party and government are reviewing the possibility of holding joint meetings with relevant standing committees. Assemblyman Kim said, "If necessary, we will discuss and hold joint meetings with committees such as the Strategy and Finance Committee or the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee to address issues related to oil prices, the economic situation, and stock market developments."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.