Background Information
North Korea is an isolated nation, and the majority of its people don’t travel abroad. Nevertheless, the question of whether there are Filipinos living in North Korea remains open. The Philippines is the second-largest country in Southeast Asia and the Philippines has the third-largest population in the world with more than 110 million people. The economy of the Philippines is the 35th largest in the world with a nominal gross domestic product (GDP) of 447 billion US dollars as of 2020. With a population of over 25 million, Manila is the most populated city in the country. The Philippines has also traditionally had strong ties to North Korea.
History Of Relations between the Philippines and North Korea
The Philippines was one of North Korea’s earliest diplomatic partners, establishing diplomatic relations in 1957. In 1971, during its presidency of the UN General Assembly, the Philippines supported North Koreas candidature for the UN. In 1988, President Corazon Aquino visited North Korea and was received by the North Korean leader, Kim Il-Sung. However, despite these cordial relations, the Philippines has not had any official presence or embassy in North Korea since then. As a result of the United Nations sanctions following the conflict with the US and South Korea, the Philippines imposed economic sanctions on North Korea.
Are There Filipinos Living in North Korea?
Despite the historical relations between the two countries, it is believed that there are very few Filipinos who have been granted permission to travel to or live in the North Korean state. According to a 2019 report, there are fewer than 10 individuals of dual Philippine-North Korean citizenship living in North Korea. In 2017, only five Filipino immigrants applied for North Korean visas in Manila. These individuals are believed to be part of the North Korean embassy, who are more likely to have permission to come and go freely.
However, there have been isolated reports of a Filipino ‘guest worker’ who lived in North Korea for more than three years in the late 2000s, and there are also small numbers of Filipino businesspeople who have made short trips to North Korea for business purposes.
Challenges Faced by Foreign Nationals in North Korea
It is difficult to ascertain the extent of Filipinos living in North Korea due to long visa processing times, complicated travel permits and other restrictions. Furthermore, foreign nationals living in North Korea often face discrimination and harsh restrictions. For example, they must follow the country’s restrictive laws, including a strict dress code and regulations on marriage and intermarriage with North Korean citizens. Additionally, foreigners are restricted from attending certain educational institutions, medical facilities and places of employment.
The Philippine Government’s Position
The Philippine government has traditionally maintained close relations with North Korea and has sought to secure the interests of Filipinos living in North Korea. Nevertheless, the Philippines has also acknowledged that it has no diplomatic representation in Pyongyang, and thus, cannot protect or assist Filipinos living in North Korea in any legal way.
The Philippine government also recognizes that Filipinos are exposed to numerous risks by travelling to or living in North Korea, particularly in the event of a conflict with the US or South Korea.
Rights Of Foreign Nationals In North Korea
Foreign nationals in North Korea have fewer rights than citizens of the country. They do not have the right to vote or own land, are linguistically and culturally isolated, and they are not guaranteed the assurance of basic rights such as freedom of expression, speech, and press. Additionally, foreigners in North Korea are not allowed to access the Internet, be in possession of telecommunication devices, engage in trade, or to send and receive money from outside the country.
Safety And Security Of Foreign Nationals In North Korea
North Korea remains one of the most repressive regimes in the world and its compliance with international law is limited. Foreign nationals living in North Korea are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests and indefinite detention, human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Furthermore, North Korea is known to impose harsh punishments for political or religious activities. Foreign nationals should avoid expressing opinions on political or religious matters. Furthermore, they should exercise caution when travelling or engaging in activities that could be perceived as politically sensitive.
Limitations of Foreign Nationals in North Korea
Foreign nationals in North Korea are subject to restrictions on their activities and freedoms. They are not allowed to work without a valid work permit and they are not allowed to form associations, participate in demonstrations or talk with the media. They are also placed under surveillance and may face deportation or other additional penalties if they violate the rules.
Furthermore, certain documents such as passports and visas must be presented upon entering and exiting the country. Travel permits are also needed for visiting certain areas of the country.
Conclusion of Employment Opportunities For Foreign Nationals in North Korea
North Korea is not known for its favourable employment opportunities. Foreign nationals in North Korea must be mindful of the fact that they may face exploitation or abuse and are likely to be exposed to oppressive working conditions. In addition, they are likely to earn significantly lower wages compared to their counterparts in other countries.
As a result, most foreign nationals opt to leave the country after several months due to the limited career opportunities. However, those who have lived and worked in North Korea often recount experiencing a heightened sense of community and cultural exchange, furthering North Korea-Filipino relations.
Conclusion of Education Opportunities For Foreign Nationals in North Korea
North Korea offers limited resources for foreign nationals in terms of education. The majority of universities in North Korea are state-run and lack the resources and infrastructure for English language instruction. However, there are some international schools that offer limited courses on a tuition basis, as well as a few minority-language learning centers. Although most of these programs are geared towards North Korean expatriates, some foreign nationals have enrolled in them with special permission.
Additionally, there are some private study centers that offer online classes and language instruction to foreign nationals in North Korea. Nevertheless, these private institutions are subject to stringent government regulations, including restrictions on the content discussed in class.
Conclusion of Cultural Experiences For Foreign Nationals in North Korea
North Korea is a unique and culturally rich nation, and foreign nationals can often find unique experiences while living in the country. Although there are restrictions on activities such as travel and entertainment, foreign nationals are usually allowed to visit the numerous historical sites and monuments throughout the country.
Furthermore, there is a rich collection of North Korean art, literature, and traditional music and performances, which can be experienced in state-run theatres and museums. Additionally, there are also several natural sites for exploration, such as the Gyeongju National Park near Pyongyang.
Conclusion of Financial Support For Foreign Nationals in North Korea
Financial support for foreign nationals living in North Korea is limited, as most international remittances are blocked by the UN Security Council sanctions. This means that foreign nationals must rely on their own resources and may find themselves in a precarious financial situation.
Moreover, most foreign nationals are unable to access their own banking services due to the government’s restrictions on foreign banks. As a result, foreign nationals must rely on their own or family’s financial resources and are unable to utilize other sources of income such as investments, real estate, or trade. In addition, since foreign nationals are not allowed to hold bank accounts, they are unable to access online payments.
Conclusion of Safety And Security For Foreign Nationals in North Korea
Foreign nationals in North Korea are exposed to numerous risks, and the Philippine government has taken steps to protect the interests of Filipinos living in North Korea. However, due to the stringent laws and limited rights of foreigners in the country, Filipino nationals are encouraged to use caution when travelling to or living in North Korea. Furthermore, many of the activities and services available to foreigners are limited and are subject to government regulations.
Thus, foreign nationals must be aware of their rights and the potential risks of living and travelling in North Korea. By doing so, they can ensure that their stay in North Korea is safe and secure.
