North Korea Reopens Border After Over Three Years of Closure

North Korea has reportedly decided to reopen its border after more than three years of tight virus curbs, primarily due to economic challenges arising from the closure. The decision, announced on Sunday, allows North Korean citizens abroad to return home while being placed under quarantine for a week. This marks an official reopening of the secretive regime’s border.

The Unification Ministry of South Korea sees this move as a “limited border reopening,” with the North allowing the return of its nationals abroad but not specifying when entry for foreigners will be permitted. This decision is expected to lead to the return of more North Korean diplomats, laborers, and students from foreign nations.

There are concerns about the possible repatriation of North Korean defectors in China, to which the Unification Ministry voiced “grave concerns.” North Korea initially closed its border in January 2020 and imposed strict anti-epidemic measures in May 2022 after reporting its first COVID-19 case. Recent signs of reopening include permitting athletes to cross the border for international events and resuming commercial flights with China and Russia.