Ministry of Foreign Affairs Considers Issuing 'Level 1 Travel Caution' Travel Alert Worldwide

First Case of Diagnostic Kit Export to UAE... "Evaluated as a Helper Amid Defensive 'COVID-19' Situation"
Closely Monitoring the Italian Korean Association's Initiative for 'Temporary Flights'
"In Consultation with Host Country's Foreign Ministry" Regarding Koreans Stranded in Peru and the Philippines

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young]

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it is considering issuing a Level 1 travel alert, which corresponds to travel caution, for all regions worldwide. Previously, the Ministry had issued a Level 2 alert, corresponding to travel restraint, for 36 countries in Western and Central Europe.

A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on the 17th during a press briefing, "There is a growing trend of entry restrictions abroad being expanded regardless of nationality," adding, "Since the possibility of our citizens experiencing inconveniences overseas is increasing, we are considering issuing a Level 1 travel alert for all foreign countries."

Exports of COVID-19 diagnostic kits will be gradually expanded, taking into account the domestic supply situation. So far, it is known that 17 countries have requested imports of diagnostic kits. The Blue House previously announced that it had urgently exported 51,000 diagnostic kits for COVID-19 testing to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This is the first export case since the COVID-19 outbreak.

The senior official explained, "We confirmed the domestic demand situation several times before deciding on the export," and added, "The UAE hopes to secure a larger quantity, and I understand that long-term additional order contracts are also being discussed with the diagnostic kit companies." He continued, "There are many countries importing diagnostic kit-related supplies domestically," and said, "In the case of developing countries, free support is being requested, which is different from exports, so inter-agency consultations are necessary, and we will proceed with the procedures after sufficient discussions."

The senior official emphasized that this first export case of diagnostic kits marked a turning point from a defensive situation aimed at minimizing entry restrictions on Korea to providing help to the international community. He said, "Since many confirmed cases emerged in Korea, the stance had been defensive, focusing on how to prevent entry bans on Koreans, but now it is a turning point where we actively play the role of a helper in foreign countries' COVID-19 responses."

Regarding the temporary flights being promoted by the Korean Association in Italy, the official said that since it is a model with less government burden, they are monitoring the progress. The Korean Association in Italy is conducting a demand survey for temporary flights until 6 p.m. local time on the 17th. Once the survey is completed, the association plans to negotiate with Korean Air.

The senior official said, "This is a case where flights are arranged independently without government intervention from a commercial perspective," adding, "If it proceeds like a temporary additional flight, it is relatively easier and can be a model with less government burden, so we are paying close attention."

Regarding Koreans stranded in Peru due to border closures, the official said, "We have not yet received specific reports on exceptional measures," and explained, "We are consulting with the host country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Korean embassy in Peru and cooperating with other relevant countries." Regarding measures following the lockdown of Luzon Island in the Philippines, he added, "We are continuing consultations with the local embassy to enable travelers to depart."

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