China Followed by UAE Implements Expedited Entry System... Reduced Business Travel Burden for Entrepreneurs

Countries Likely to Adopt Expedited Entry System One After Another

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] It has been confirmed that South Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are implementing a fast-track entry system for businesspeople. This is a measure to institutionally reopen borders that were closed due to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), marking the second case after China in May.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 13th, South Korea and the UAE began implementing the fast-track entry system earlier this month. Following the visit of Deputy Minister Kim Geon to the UAE in June, the two countries agreed to introduce the system, and after detailed working-level consultations, it was finally implemented.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "We are implementing the fast-track entry system with the UAE and plan to introduce the system with ASEAN countries including Indonesia soon." It is also known that discussions are ongoing to introduce the fast-track entry system with Japan.

Under the fast-track entry system, foreigners holding residence visas are allowed entry on the condition that they submit a negative COVID-19 test certificate and self-quarantine for 14 days after entry. Dubai recently lifted entry restrictions, but Abu Dhabi remains difficult to enter.

To use this system, one must receive an invitation letter issued by a company or institution located in the UAE and apply at the UAE Embassy in Korea. A negative test certificate issued within 96 hours before departure from Korea must also be submitted. After arrival, if a COVID-19 test is conducted locally and the result is negative, immediate on-site activities are permitted.

In the UAE, about 2,000 Koreans are working at the Barakah nuclear power plant alone, and approximately 300 shift workers are preparing to enter. In addition, several companies are conducting business locally in the UAE.

South Korea and the UAE maintain a special strategic partnership; in March, South Korea exported COVID-19 test kits, and last month, the UAE Foreign Minister chose South Korea as the first country to visit despite COVID-19.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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