The North Korean government has successfully brought back over 700 of its citizens who were previously stranded in China and Russia due to the actions of their government before the COVID-19 pandemic. Sources in both China and Russia have confirmed this significant development, as reported by Radio Free Asia.
Pre-Pandemic Efforts and Pandemic Restrictions
Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, the cash-strapped North Korean government had been actively sending its citizens to work in China and Russia in order to earn crucial foreign currency. However, with the closure of international borders in January 2020 and the prohibition of citizens’ return, these workers were left in a challenging situation.
Large-Scale Repatriations amid Pandemic Concerns
The state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun disclosed that Pyongyang is now in the process of approving the return of a substantial number of North Koreans who remain abroad. This marks a significant move, as it represents the first major repatriation effort of North Korean workers since the onset of the pandemic. To address the ongoing threat of COVID-19 transmission, the returning individuals are subjected to strict medical surveillance and are required to undergo a mandatory week-long quarantine upon arrival.
Estimated Numbers and UN Sanctions
Various South Korean media outlets have estimated that there are approximately 100,000 North Korean workers stationed in China and around 3,000 to 4,000 in Russia. This is noteworthy considering that United Nations sanctions had stipulated that all North Korean workers were to be repatriated by the conclusion of 2019. Despite these sanctions, a significant number of workers had remained abroad.
Categories of Repatriated Individuals
Insiders familiar with the matter have shared that the initial groups of individuals chosen for repatriation include those who have been accused of crimes, individuals facing health challenges, and employees who have fallen out of favor with their respective employers.
Repatriation Process from China’s Liaoning Province
Approximately 500 North Koreans have already returned from China’s Liaoning province. According to an anonymous resident, these workers had been residing in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture and were subsequently assembled in Dandong, which is situated across the Yalu River from North Korea’s Sinuiju. The repatriation process involved organizing transportation for the workers from a nearby hotel to customs under the watchful eye of the Dandong Public Security Bureau.
Repatriation Process from Russia’s Vladivostok
Similarly, North Korean authorities have taken steps to repatriate citizens from Russia. An Air Koryo aircraft was dispatched to Vladivostok for this purpose. A resident of Vladivostok revealed that the first flight had carried 200 North Korean workers, including officials, individuals considered troublesome, and those with health issues. The ongoing repatriation efforts have been marked by limited advance notice, leading to concerns that the selected individuals may attempt to evade the process.