150 Korean Businesspeople Travel to India Despite COVID-19... Government-Led First Exceptional Entry

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] About 150 Korean businesspeople arrived in India through an exceptional entry procedure amid the suspension of private international flights due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to diplomatic authorities, a special flight (Asiana OZ 7673) carrying 156 people from 39 Korean companies landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India, around 4 p.m. on the 19th.

They belong to companies such as Samsung Electronics, Samsung Display, Kia Motors, Gukbo Design, and Hallim E&C. They are essential personnel for each company's business in India, including technicians for maintaining and servicing production facilities and newly assigned staff.

This is the first time that the Korean government has intervened to facilitate exceptional entry, rather than a private charter flight by companies themselves, in India.

Local Korean companies have faced difficulties in business activities since March due to the suspension of international flights and the ban on foreign entry.

This is because the Indian government introduced lockdown measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, effectively cutting off air routes.

In response, the Korean Embassy in India and the KOTRA India Business Cooperation Center contacted the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aviation authorities, and Asiana Airlines to successfully operate this exceptional entry flight.

The Korean Embassy has announced plans to arrange additional special flights if a certain number of demands are met in the future.

Currently, India exceptionally allows entry for holders of employment visas, business visas, project visas, as well as medical professionals and engineers.

Those entering this time will undergo a one-week facility quarantine in New Delhi before moving to their respective business locations. Depending on local circumstances, additional self-quarantine periods may be required.

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