The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan continues to closely monitor Japan’s response to COVID-19 and related immigration policies.
On November 8, Japan partially eased coronavirus travel restrictions on the entry of new foreign nationals. Limited numbers of new arrivals will now be allowed to enter the country for the first time in 10 months.
The measure applies to short-term stays of up to three months for business and working purposes, as well as long-term stays by foreign students, foreign technical trainees and others. The change does not apply to tourists.
Quarantine
Those arriving in Japan for short business trips will only be required to quarantine for three days if they have received one of the vaccines that Japan has approved — Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca.
Companies and organisations such as schools that sponsor foreigners in Japan need to pass screenings by the relevant ministry or agency in advance to secure their entry. The receiving organisations are also responsible for supervising the entrants, including providing accommodations where they can self-quarantine for up to 14 days.
The government will continue to limit the number of international arrivals to 3,500 a day, including Japanese. Due to this limit, authorities say it may take some time to be able to enter the country.
According to immigration authorities about 370,000 people with permission to stay in Japan have been unable to enter.
The BCCJ appreciates the recent changes in Japan, and is working with the British Embassy Tokyo and the G7 chambers of commerce in Japan, to recommend further easing of immigration rules and simplification of the new entry system.
Further reading
Japan Prime Minster’s Office overview HERE
MHLW overview (in Japanese only) HERE
NHK, Japan to ease travel restrictions for foreigners HERE
