Flights have already begun operating to Beijing in China and Vladivostok in Russia ahead of the borders reopening, but it is unclear who has actually travelled onboard.
North Koreans line-up for a flight to Pyongyang at Beijing Capital International Airport on Saturday. Pic: AP
North Korea has become the latest country to reopen its borders following the COVID-19 pandemic – but only to its own citizens.
Pyongyang announced its own citizens will be allowed to fly back into the country, with those returning having to quarantine for seven days for “proper medical observation”, according to a statement on state television.
While details are scant, experts believe North Koreans abroad include students and workers, and were mostly based in allied countries such as China or Russia.
North Korea slammed its borders shut after the pandemic started, banning tourism, flying out key diplomats and halting border traffic and trade, with analysts believing the move harmed its food security and economy.
South Korea’s spy agency said it believes the North will slowly begin to fully reopen its borders in an effort to revive its economy.
Migrants who arrive over the English Channel in small boats could be forced to wear electronic tags under Home Office proposals.
The idea, first mooted more than a year ago, has resurfaced as Rishi Sunak attempts to get a handle on immigration and stop people illegally gaining entry to the UK.
The migrants would be GPS tracked in real time and required to report via text message or in person to immigration officers multiple times a day, the Telegraph reported.
Any attempt to remove the tag and abscond would result in any right to bail or to remain in the UK being automatically withdrawn.
It comes amid concerns the UK could run out of capacity in immigration detention centres, with officials asked to find alternative ways of ensuring that thousands of migrants who arrive illegally but cannot be detained do not abscond.
The new rules will stipulate that those on electronic tag must comply with any directions from the Home OfficeA dinghy carrying around 50 migrants drifts into the English Channel after being escorted out of French territory on Thursday. Experts say they resist any help from French vessels in order to reach the UK
One source told the newspaper: ‘Tagging is being discussed as an option.’
Another source said tagging could also free-up immigration detention centres to be used for prisoners to alleviate chronic overcrowding in jails which are close to their capacity.
They were quoted as saying: ‘They are looking at all of these options. Given the state of prison capacity, that could reach breaking point and the Government knows that.’
The approach has been dubbed ‘punitive’ and ‘draconian’ by left-wing campaigners, who argue that those fleeing to Britain for safety are being treated like ‘criminals’.
Farmers from flood-affected areas and members of Samyukt Kisan Morcha blocked a road during a protest against Punjab government near the residence of APP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, in Patiala on Saturday (PTI Photo)
Farmers Protest Chandigarh: Around 4,500 cops have been deployed in Punjab to ensure the law and order situation in the wake of a call for protest by 16 farm unions in Chandigarh on Tuesday. This comes a day after a farmer died amid clashes between protestors and police personnel in the state’s Sangrur district. The protest has been called by Kisan Mazdoor Sangarsh Committee along with other unions against non-payment of relief to the flood-affected in the state.
Farmers have claimed that several protestors have been “detained” ahead of their planned demonstration today. Meanwhile, security has also been stepped up at the inter-state borders of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh in the wake of protest call.
SAD CONDEMNS FARMERS’ ARREST
The Siromani Akali Dal (SAD) has condemned the “arrests” and called action against farmer leaders as “totally un democratic.”
“SAD strongly condemned the arrest of various Kissan leaders in different parts of Punjab who wanted to stage a protest in Chandigarh to demand compensation for the victims of devastating floods. This action is totally un democratic,” SAD leader Daljit S Cheema said in a post on X (formally Twitter).
Cheema claimed that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led state government has miserably failed to provide relief to affected farmers and farm labourers, adding that their condition is worsening day by day.
“At most places they have suffered twice but govt has not paid compensation even for the first loss. There is no immediate help for those who had to leave their houses and are sitting in open. All their household is washed away. No help is coming for the cattle. But inspite of all this if they want to protest peacefully to highlight their sufferings, they have been arrested. This is inhumane. All of them should be released immediately,” the SAD leader added.
