The Government of the Republic of Korea and IOM have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the evacuation of
Korean nationals from future emergencies worldwide.

The MoU was signed by IOM Director General William Lacy Swing
and Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT) Kim
Sung-hwan today (8/6) in Seoul. 

It sets out a framework for mutual cooperation in facilitating
the emergency evacuation of Korean nationals, including in
locations where no MOFAT representation exists. It applies in cases
where conflicts or natural disasters such as earthquakes
necessitate evacuation of third-country nationals. 

Specifically, IOM will arrange in-country and international
evacuation transport and transit assistance, facilitate travel
documents, provide medical checks and escorts, and notify relevant
authorities. 

“The signing of this important MoU to serve one of our
long-standing member states is an indication that our members
recognize the challenges associated with human mobility and
potential emergencies across the world. I believe that such a
partnership will help us to respond to challenges in a more
effective and timely manner,” said Director General
Swing. 

Areas of future cooperation may include joint programmes in
areas of common interest, including building the capacity of
government and other relevant stakeholders to respond effectively
to the challenges of providing necessary protection for Korean
nationals. 

The Government of Korea has provided support for IOM
humanitarian assistance worldwide, most recently in Libya and in
Haiti. 

For more information please contact 

Mike Gray

IOM Headquarters

Email: "mailto:mgray@iom.int">mgray@iom.int

Tel. +4122 7179434 

or

June Lee

IOM Republic of Korea

Email: "mailto:jlee@iom.int">jlee@iom.int

Tel. +822 21830191