The South Korean government Wednesday said it would tighten regulations on its nationals’ visits to countries banned for travel due to safety concerns.
The Foreign Ministry said it would revise the passport law to impose stricter exceptions for South Koreans traveling to or staying in countries listed as dangerous to visit following the deadly terror attack in Paris last week. As of Nov. 18, Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Afghanistan, Yemen and Libya were designated as travel-restricted nations.
Under the proposed revision, Koreans will only be allowed to travel to restricted areas when their spouses and family members have died or are in critical health condition there. The previous regulation allowed Korean nationals to cite “humanitarian relief work” as a reason to visit the areas.
Koreans already residing in these countries will be required to file a document that the government deems “compelling” enough to warrant extension of their residence. Previously, those residing in the areas were able to extend their stay if they secured the right to permanent residence from the respective local authorities.
