Mongolia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Battsetseg Batmunkh, met with Choi Jin-won, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Mongolia. The two discussed several pressing issues surrounding visa and travel conditions for Mongolian nationals visiting South Korea.
Foreign Minister Battsetseg emphasized several challenges Mongolian citizens face when applying for South Korean visas. She noted that Mongolian travelers often encounter difficulties at South Korea’s entry points. Specifically, citizens with valid visas are sometimes detained without reason, their belongings are confiscated, and they are deported. Battsetseg stressed that these actions encroach on their privacy, a matter Mongolia has raised multiple times.
In addition, Battsetseg addressed the lengthy process for reapplying for a South Korean visa after a refusal. Currently, individuals who are denied a visa must wait six months before they can reapply. The Minister suggested that this waiting period be shortened or removed entirely.
Furthermore, Mongolia proposed a solution for the visa application process. Battsetseg recommended that Mongolian nationals be allowed to submit notarized copies of their passports or passport certificates issued through E-Mongolia instead of the original passport. This suggestion aims to prevent restrictions on citizens’ freedom of movement while their visas are pending.
Another key issue raised was the possibility of moving to an electronic visa system. Minister Battsetseg proposed issuing e-visas for Mongolian citizens to simplify the application process. She also suggested that South Korean tourists visiting Mongolia without a visa might prompt a similar step for Mongolian patients seeking medical treatment in South Korea. These patients, along with their caregivers, could be exempted from visa requirements for stays up to 30 days. Battsetseg also urged the South Korean government to issue more multiple-entry visas for officials of major Mongolian enterprises.
In response, Ambassador Choi Jin-won acknowledged these concerns and assured the Minister that South Korea would study the issues raised. He also emphasized his commitment to ongoing discussions and cooperation between the two countries to address these visa and travel conditions.
In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the importance of fostering stronger ties between Mongolia and South Korea. Both sides expressed confidence in resolving these issues and ensuring smoother travel for Mongolian citizens.
