It has been reported that North Korea has once again changed and strengthened the issuance process for business trip (travel) certificates for the capital Pyongyang and the North Korea-China border area. [This is an English test]
On the 21st, a source from Hamgyeongbuk-do told NK Times, “Earlier this month, the issuance process for business trip certificates for Pyongyang and the North Korea-China border area was changed and strengthened again.” “We have drastically reduced the number from 10 to 3,” he said.
The source explained, “After the coronavirus outbreak, the most important part of issuing a business trip certificate was the purpose of the business trip. However, as the purpose of the business trip was again reduced from 10 to 3, entry and exit from Pyongyang and the border area became more difficult.”
He continued, “This change in the process of issuing business travel certificates appears to be intended to prevent North Korean defections in advance by preventing residents who are grudges over food shortages and political oppression from entering the capital Pyongyang, and by thoroughly blocking access and movement of residents to the border area.” He said, “These measures have made it more difficult for residents to make a living.”
It is known that North Korea has completely sealed its borders following the coronavirus outbreak and is thoroughly controlling the entry and exit of residents into the capital Pyongyang and border areas.
If you look at North Korea’s actual business trip certificate issuance process after the coronavirus outbreak, the business trip certificate application form is filled out – the head of the People’s Unit – the district (ri) office manager – the security officer in charge – the security officer in charge – the city and county safety department head – and the security department director’s approval (signature). It was to be issued by the 2nd Department of the County People’s Committee.
However, here, the purpose of the business trip is defined as 10 items, including national official duties, marriage of up to the 4th cousin, 60th birthday, first birthday, death, treatment of illness, and visit, and issuance of business trip certificates is reportedly restricted for other purposes.
However, in the newly changed business trip certificate issuance process, North Korea maintains the purpose of business trip as state official work and regulates individuals from applying for business trip certificates except for death and medical visits, which is expected to cause significant difficulties in livelihood activities for residents. It also comes out.
In fact, the source said, “Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, movement within the province without a business trip certificate has been prohibited, and the issuance process for business trip certificates has also become more complicated, so residents are experiencing great inconvenience in their livelihood activities.” “Residents who wanted to visit the graves of their parents and ancestors are giving up on visiting their hometowns,” he said.
Meanwhile, the source said, “Travel certificates for the purpose of death and treatment are issued with priority, but the process of issuing exchange certificates is also not easy.” He added, “Because of the complicated and complicated business trip certificate issuance system, even residents who wanted to visit their hometowns for Chuseok are unable to visit their hometowns.” “The reality is that we are giving up,” he said.
He continued, “The original business trip certificate issuance system was intended to prevent the activities of spies or subversive elements hidden within,” adding, “However, the current issuance and use of business trip certificates is not to detect subversive elements hidden within, but to maintain the system.” “It is being used as a tool to monitor and control residents’ every move,” he pointed out.
***This article is a translation based on ChatGPT, so it may not match our NK Times Korean content.