{"id":7935,"date":"2023-11-17T16:20:33","date_gmt":"2023-11-17T15:20:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northkoreainfo.com\/?p=7935"},"modified":"2023-11-17T16:20:33","modified_gmt":"2023-11-17T15:20:33","slug":"why-are-people-not-allowed-to-leave-north-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northkoreainfo.com\/why-are-people-not-allowed-to-leave-north-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Are People Not Allowed To Leave North Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Introduction<\/h2>\n

North Korea is one of the most isolated countries in the world. It is known for its extreme human rights violations, tight restrictions on its citizens, and a lack of freedom of movement. Since the 1940s, North Korea has been virtually closed off from the rest of the world and citizens are not allowed to leave the country, even for medical reasons. North Koreans are cut off from the global economy, access to modern technology, and the internet, making it nearly impossible to contact the outside world. Over the years, the North Korean government has become increasingly oppressive, and the world has taken notice.<\/p>\n

Geographical Boundaries and Conflict<\/h2>\n

Finding a way out of North Korea is extremely difficult for citizens due to both physical and political boundaries. The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a strip of land located along the shared border between North and South Korea. The DMZ is 4 km wide and has been heavily guarded since the Korean War. This makes crossing the DMZ nearly impossible for North Koreans. Additionally, there are various international laws and agreements in place that restrict the movement of North Koreans.<\/p>\n

The conflict between North and South Korea creates an additional barrier for citizens trying to escape the North. Both countries guard the border heavily, making it difficult for North Koreans to cross over into the South. Even if a North Korean is successful in crossing the border, they will likely face imprisonment, as South Korea classifies such crossings as fugitive arrest.<\/p>\n

Restrictive Immigration Policies<\/h2>\n

The North Korean government heavily restricts its citizens from leaving the country. Traveling abroad requires a permit, which is only granted if both the family of the individual seeking to leave, and the government deem it necessary, such as for medical care. People who are able to obtain a permit due to family reasons, such as mourning the death of a relative, must return to North Korea within a certain time period. If they fail to meet this deadline, they will be accused of defecting and subjected to strict punishment.<\/p>\n