Lee Hyo-jin covers the Bank of Korea, the banking industry and broader financial news. Her previous beats include foreign affairs, North Korea and general reporting on Korean society.
Law proposed to deport foreign nationals for false virus test results
People wait in line at the arrival hall of Incheon International Airport on Aug. 14. / Yonhap
By Lee Hyo-jin
By Lee Hyo-jin
Laws may be revised to enable the deportation of foreign nationals accused of submitting false PCR test results, an entry requirement for travelers from certain countries, in a bid to effectively prevent and control imported COVID-19 cases.
Independent lawmaker Lee Yong-ho said Sunday that he and 10 other lawmakers have proposed a revision bill to the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, which will enable the deportation of foreigners who have violated immigration or quarantine laws.
Following the quarantine measures implemented by the health authorities in July, foreign arrivals from countries designated by the government as high-risk countries must submit certificates proving they have tested negative for COVID-19 on a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
Currently, six countries ― Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan ― are on the list. The certificates must be issued by medical institutions designated by the countries Korean embassies within 48 hours of departure.
However, recently, more than 10 cases have been reported in which travelers submitted negative results for PCR tests, but tested positive after entering the country. Also, two inbound passengers ― a Pakistani and a Kazakhstani ― were accused of handing in forged certificates, according to Rep. Lee.
“Currently, we do not have any legal basis on which to deport violators of the entry requirements,” said Lee. “The revision aims to save losses in our quarantine resources and medical workforce, as well as prevent possible damage to others who have abided by the quarantine measures.”
He expects the proposed bill will be discussed at the National Assembly in January and passed at a plenary session during the first quarter of 2021.