The South Korean government will provide free COVID-19 vaccinations to some two million foreigners residing in the country.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency(KDCA) on Monday, foreigners staying long-term and registered for national health insurance coverage will be eligible for the vaccinations set to begin this month.

The government is also reviewing a detailed plan to selectively inoculate overseas tourists or those staying in the country short-term that are deemed necessary under the principle of protecting public health.

As for some 200-thousand overseas seasonal laborers who are allowed to stay for up to four years and ten months at a time and are covered by the national health insurance, their eligibility will be determined in consultations among relevant agencies.

Meanwhile, Korean residents abroad or foreigners entering the country will still be required to go under a 14-day quarantine upon entry, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated.