Japan’s entry visa will be gradually opened in three phases. Has tourism in Japan resumed?

More than half of 2020 has passed, and the global epidemic is basically under control. As for Japan, it has recently introduced several rounds of visa relaxation policies. The latest wave plays an important role in your decision-making, so you can pay attention to it.

Japan’s entry visas will be gradually opened in three phases: first visas for business people and scientific researchers, then visas for international students, and finally visas for travel and sightseeing.

Based on the current global epidemic situation, the Japanese government plans to lift entry restrictions in three stages, gradually liberalizing visas for business people and scientific researchers, international student visas, and travel and sightseeing visas.

Shinzo Abe stated at a press conference on the 25th that while preventing and controlling the epidemic, he will determine how to restore international personnel in a phased and targeted manner based on specific matters such as target countries, target groups, and procedures. contacts.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated at a press conference on the 22nd that although the epidemic in Japan has basically been brought under control, it still cannot relax its vigilance. The current entry restriction policy will continue to be implemented in the short term. He said that the Japanese government plans to lift entry restrictions on business people, scientific researchers, international students, and tourists in three stages.

However, the implementation of this plan still faces many difficulties. It is reported that Japan’s National Security Service (NSS) convened relevant departments in May to discuss relaxing entry and exit restrictions. Relevant government officials believe that "there is a risk of a second wave of epidemics" and are cautious about relaxing restrictions. At the National Security Council (NSC) held on the 25th, the Japanese government decided to include 11 countries including India on the entry ban list starting from May 27. In view of the current global epidemic situation, the current entry restriction policy will be extended for one month to the end of June.

It is reported that the Japanese government has gradually tightened entry restrictions since February 2020, and currently there are 111 countries and regions that refuse entry.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is expected to open in batches and phases, taking into account the epidemic situation of the destination country, economic exchanges between the two countries, and the fields in which the immigrants are engaged. However, nothing can be finalized until the "state of emergency" is lifted across Japan. The bans in the three prefectures of Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo were also lifted on the 21st. Looking at the recent infection situation in Tokyo and other places, it is basically developing in a good direction, and the nationwide unblocking is expected! Policy interpretation 1. Review of existing policies

This new round of policies is mainly aimed at people who cannot return in time after leaving Japan.

For foreigners who are currently stranded in Japan and have difficulty returning home, the existing policies can continue to support them.

1) Short-term stay visa for family visits, tourism, etc.

Residence status can be extended for 90 days

2) Technical internship visa

Residence status Can be changed to "Specified Activities (6 months? Work permit)"

3) Study visa (this year's graduates)

Residence status can be changed to "Specified Activities (6 months)" Months? Part-time work is allowed)"

4) Other mid- to long-term residence visas

Residence status can be changed to "Specified activities (6 months? Not enough)"

< p>If the difficulty of returning to the country does not ease, you can apply for the above-mentioned extension of residence status again. 2. Interpretation of the new policy

For those who have plans to enter Japan but cannot make the trip in time, different situations correspond to different policies.

1) Holder of a Certificate of Eligibility for Residence

The validity period has been extended to 6 months before. Under the latest policy, it will be directly extended to within 6 months after Japan’s entry restrictions are lifted. , or until April 30, 2021, whichever is earlier.

(Only for Certificates of Eligibility issued between October 1, 2019 and January 29, 2021)

2) Residence is being updated before departure from Japan

The residence card was in the updated status before leaving Japan. The old card has expired and the new card has been issued but you are unable to receive it in person. You can go to the Immigration Control Bureau to collect the card on your behalf from relatives and friends in Japan or personnel from your school or company. .

When you are able to return to Japan, you can enter the country with a re-entry permit.

3) After leaving Japan, you are unable to return before the period of stay expires

This situation is divided into two types: medium- and long-term residents and permanent residents, which correspond to different processing methods.