North Korea’s expat community has been slowly shrinking since COVID-19 measures were imposed in January, with Pyongyang now handing down rules that mean new arrivals are effectively suspended until further notice, NK News has learned.

Multiple informed sources said that authorities have now handed down rules stipulating that staff leaving embassies, missions, and humanitarian organizations cannot be replaced, preventing fresh personnel from arriving due to alleged concerns about the coronavirus epidemic.

As a result, even those willing to accept Pyongyang’s quarantine rules – new arrivals are to spend 30 days under strict DPRK-imposed controls – are unable to enter the